Burning mouth syndrome, or SBA, is characterized by the burning of any region of the mouth without any visible clinical changes. This syndrome is more common in postmenopausal women, but it can happen in anyone between the ages of 38 and 78.
In this syndrome there is pain that worsens at the beginning of the day, dry mouth and metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, it is important to consult the dentist or the general practitioner so that the symptoms are evaluated and the diagnosis is made based on the symptoms, history and results of several tests that seek to identify the cause of the syndrome.
The treatment is done according to the cause and is aimed at relieving the symptoms, which can be done with the use of medicines or change in lifestyle, that is, through a healthy diet and that does not contain spicy foods, in addition to activities that promote relaxation, since stress can be one of the causes of SBA.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome may appear suddenly or be progressive, with mainly severe mouth pain, taste disturbance, metallic or bitter taste, and dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. These symptoms are known as the symptomatic triad of SBA. However, not always the people who have the syndrome have the triad, and other symptoms may arise, such as:
- Burning sensation on tongue, lips, inner cheeks, gums, palate or throat;
- Increased thirst;
- Tingling or burning sensation in the mouth or tongue;
- Loss of appetite;
- Pain that increases during the day;
- Change in the amount of saliva produced.
Symptoms can appear anywhere in the mouth, most commonly occurring on the tip of the tongue and on the side edges of the mouth. In some cases the pain of the BBA appears during the day and has progressive intensity, being able to disrupt even the sleep. In addition, some attitudes can favor burning and burning of the mouth, such as eating hot and hot foods and tension, for example.
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Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome
The causes of burning mouth syndrome are not very well established, however it can be classified into two main types, the primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome:
- Primary or idiopathic burning mouth syndrome, where symptoms are observed, but the triggering cause is not identified. In addition, in this type of SBA no clinical or laboratory evidence is verified to confirm the cause of SBA;
- Secondary burning mouth syndrome, where it is possible to determine the cause of the syndrome, and may be due to allergies, infections, nutritional deficiencies, reflux, poorly fitting prostheses, stress, anxiety and depression, use of certain medications, diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome, for example, in addition to alteration in the nerves that control the pain palate.
The diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome should be made by the physician according to the symptoms presented by the person, clinical history and results of various tests, such as blood count, fasting blood glucose, iron dosage, ferritin and folic acid, for example, with to diagnose nutritional deficiencies, infections, or chronic diseases that may cause SBA.
In addition, the doctor may request tests for autoimmune diseases and tests for allergies to dental or food products, for example.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for burning mouth syndrome is done according to the cause and it may be recommended to adjust the dental prosthesis, therapy in the case of SBA caused by psychological disorders, or treatment with drugs in the case of SBA caused by reflux and infections.
In the case of SBA caused by allergies, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy and avoid contact. In the case of the syndrome that arises due to nutritional deficiencies, it is usually indicated nutritional supplementation, which must be done according to the nutritionist's orientation.
In periods of crisis, when the pain is very intense, it is interesting to suck ice, because ice, besides relieving pain, helps moisten the mouth, avoiding xerostomia, for example. In addition, it is important to avoid situations that may favor the onset of symptoms, such as tension, stress, talk too much and consumption of very spicy foods, for example.
