I had to look this up because once again I woke this morning to sharp pains in my tongue. Sometimes the pain is just on one side, other times its on both sides. It feels like burning and is intense enough to jar me awake. I had to look this up because it’s happened several times now.
First off, to my relief these symptoms are more than likely not life altering. I’m more than likely not going to be diagnosed with something frightening, still to wake up with my tongue on fire or like it has a million pins in it isn’t fun. Like many other issues the burning tongue, lips or gums has no known cause but there are meds and home remedies to help ease the pain. I put in bold what may be contributing factors in my case.
Despite the fact that there isn’t one isolated reason there are a few probably causes as sited on The FAMILY GENTLE DENTAL CARE website.
1. onset of menopause-hormonal changes
2. diabetes
3. deficiencies in vitamins and minerals
4. complications to cancer therapy
5. BMS symptoms appear shortly after dental procedure, recent illness, or medication course.
6. anemia
7. irritating or ill fitting dentures
8. thrush or fungal infections- a yeast infection of the mouth,
9. nerve disorders or damage
10. depression, anxiety
11. allergies
12. acid reflux
13. dietary deficiency….can be seen in vegetarians
14. Sensitivity to the material of the denture
15. Dental trauma
16. Tobacco
17. Medications, such as diuretics, oral diabetes medications, and some blood pressure
medications, as well as various over-the-counter medicines.
Reading over the above list, I can see several reasons for why I might have this issue. But what can I do to ease the pain? I found an article about Burning Mouth Syndrome on the Consumer Guide to Dentistry website which suggested the following. I’ve put in bold which changes I’ll personally make.
* Stop using mouthwash that contains alcohol.
* Stop using toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate.
* Chew sugarless gum, preferably sweetened with xylitol.
* Avoid alcoholic beverages.
* Use baking soda and water when brushing your teeth.
* Refrain from drinking beverages with high acidity (fruit juices, coffee, soft drinks).
* Abstain from tobacco use.
* Sip water or suck on ice chips.
While this information may not help stop the pain in my tongue at night I at least know I’m not out of my mind or simply dreaming it. I knew I wasn’t biting my tongue, the pain is much different. And while the answers are as vague as the “cure” I got one thing resolved: I’m not crazy. I’m not biting my tongue.
Also see the eMedicine article which explains in detail the different types of mouth pain associated with BMS.
To find more information on this google these keywords: burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia, stomatodynia and scalded mouth syndrome
wow. bodies can be so random, can’t they?
glad it’s not hard core serious but still, would freak me out. though rather fascinating to see how many conditions a burning tongue could be related to.
I know… who would have thought menopause could cause your tongue to burn. I think all of it has to do with strong sensors in the tongue and how sensitive it is to touch and taste. I suppose is something goes wrong in the mouth or related to it in some way then it freaks out and overloads with sensations. I just wish the sensation was more pleasant.
oh nooooo….no coffee??? it can’t be true…