Mouthburn burning in the mouth

Burning sensation in the mouth may indicate various illnesses

Mouthburn is a typical side effect of eating particularly spicy foods and is therefore well known to most people. But the burning in the mouth can also be caused by diseases that pose a serious health threat. Especially with recurrent forms should therefore be urgently a medical review of complaints.

contents

• Burning sensation in the mouth may indicate various illnesses
• Symptom mouthburn
• Possible causes burning in the mouth
• Mechanical irritation as a trigger of mouthburn
• Infections of the oral mucosa
• Toxic influences
• Mouthburn as a deficiency
• General infectious diseases
• Organ diseases affecting the metabolism
• Other causes of mouthburn
• diagnosis
• Treatment of mouthburn
• Naturopathy in mouthburn

Symptom mouthburn

Mouthblowing describes a painful condition that often concentrates on the area of ​​the tongue, but may also affect the gums or the inside of the cheek or the oral mucosa in general. Depending on the cause of the burning sensation in the mouth, conspicuous changes of the tongue, cheeks, pharynx and gums can usually be observed. These are described in more detail in the following sections in conjunction with the corresponding triggers and their symptoms.

For example, a burning sensation in the mouth can be an allergic reaction to certain foods. (Image: andranik123 / fotolia.com)

Often, the burning occurs more intensely or exclusively after the ingestion of certain foods and drinks, which may indicate, for example, injuries to the oral mucosa or may be an expression of an allergic reaction. Also, mechanical irritation, for example, by rough, dry bread lead in some patients to increased burning in the mouth.

Possible causes burning in the mouth

The complaints can be caused by a variety of factors. In general, a distinction must be made between pathological mouthburn and the usual reaction to spicy or hot food. For example, capsicin contained in chili peppers can cause an extremely painful burning sensation in the mouth, but this is not associated with a pathological event in the mouth.

Even extremely hot drinks or food cause a burning sensation in the mouth area and can even lead to burns in the worst case. However, this fact is well known to most people and therefore needs no further explanation, especially since in such cases also no disease is underlying. However, it can be an expression of a more serious illness.

Mechanical irritation as a trigger of mouthburn

The common cause is irritation of the mouth (stomatitis) or tongue inflammation (glossitis) due to mechanical irritation, such as poorly fitting dentures or conspicuous patterns of behavior such as chewing on the cheek, tongue rubbing on the edge of the teeth or teeth grinding.

A new denture sometimes leads to mechanical irritation of the oral mucosa and in this way to noticeable oral burning. Lack of dental care and the subsequent caries are also to be mentioned as possible causes of mechanical irritation and corresponding inflammation of the tongue and oral mucosa.

The tiny injuries that result from mechanical stress form the basis of inflammatory processes and, especially when in contact with salty or acidic foods, a violent burning sensation appears in the mouth. If the cause of the mechanical irritation is not resolved, this can assume a kind of chronic course, since a healing of the damaged oral mucosa by the constant load is not possible.

Infections of the oral mucosa

Mouthburning is more commonly associated with bacterial, mycogenic or viral infections of the oral mucosa or tongue. Thus, for example, the oral rot caused by herpesviruses of the genus Herpes Simplex is known as a possible cause of the symptoms. Mouth rot is usually accompanied by high fever in the early stages of the disease, as well as a noticeable inflammation and swelling of the gums. This is often associated with persistent mild pain.

Both bacterial and viral infections are associated with burning in the mouth. (Image: designua / fotolia.com)

In the course of the disease, the inflammation can also spread to the palate, the buccal mucosa of the cheek's inside and the tongue. Accompanying form small bubbles and so-called aphthae, the pain increases significantly. In particular, the inflammation of the so-called Zungenwärzchen (papillae) is usually associated with a strong mouth or tongue burn. The papillae appear whitish due to the inflammation or the tongue appears to be occupied.

Concomitantly, those affected with oral rot often have swelling of the cervical lymph nodes and an unpleasant bad breath. Mouthburning is usually markedly increased by contact with food in case of infection with herpes simplex viruses, so that the patients have considerable difficulties with food intake.

One of the common mycoses (fungal infections), which cause inflammation of the oral mucosa with a corresponding burning sensation in the mouth, is the infection with Candida albicans. The condition is also referred to as thrush or oral thrush and is characterized by inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, without accompanying fever shows. Also, the skin changes in the oral cavity can be less dramatic than, for example, in the mouth rot.

In the end, however, the symptoms of viral, bacterial and mycogenic infections remain similar and, therefore, in the case of mycoses, visible changes in the oral mucosa in the area of ​​the gums, tongue and cheeks can be expected.

Toxic influences

Various toxic substances are also to be considered as potential triggers, with a distinction between long-term and short-term damage. For example, over time, alcohol and tobacco often cause inflammation of the oral mucosa, which subsequently causes corresponding mouthburn.

In other toxic substances, such as the herbicide paraquat and the extracts of toxic plants (ricinus derived from ricinus, the poison of the tuberculous buttercup), the burning sensation in the mouth is an expression of acute poisoning. Accompanying such poisonings include cramping abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness. In rarer cases it comes to tachycardia, palpitations, shortness of breath and damage to the kidneys and liver.

Paraquat poisoning can cause pain in the lungs. In addition, ricin poisoning frequently causes high fever and vomiting with blood residues as well as gastric and intestinal damage in addition to oral burning. In the worst case, a circulatory collapse or even death threatens.

The cause of mouth and tongue burns may be an insufficient supply of iron. Much of the mineral is contained in, for example, pumpkin seeds, legumes and green leafy vegetables. (Image: bit24 / fotolia.com)

Mouthburn as a deficiency

Burning in the mouth is increasingly seen in patients with iron deficiency, nicotinamide and folic acid deficiency or a lack of vitamin B12. Accompanying this often occur relatively unspecific symptoms such as decreased performance, difficulty concentrating, chronic fatigue or dizziness. Torn corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis), brittle nails and a diffuse hair loss are other possible consequences of iron deficiency.

In addition, patients with vitamin B12 or iron deficiency more often suffer from anemia (iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia), which in turn can cause symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, blurred vision and short-term unconsciousness.

In the mouth area, especially when the iron and vitamin B12 deficiency, the tongue is affected. It is usually significantly changed in its appearance, as in the course of the disease, the papillae increasingly die, which has a smooth surface of the tongue - also known as lacquer tongue - result. Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to accompanying symptoms on a neurological level, for example as sensations of sensation or tingling in the limbs, coordination disorders or even paralysis.

General infectious diseases

In the general infectious diseases, which may also be accompanied by mouth or tongue burn, especially scarlet fever should be mentioned. Typical of streptococcal infectious disease is a so-called raspberry tongue. After the initial white tongue coating has dissolved, the tongue appears dark red with distinctly prominent taste buds.

Other common symptoms of scarlet fever include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills and severe sore throat, caused by inflammation of the pharynx. On the body of the affected person usually shows a strong itchy rash, which is considered due to its special appearance as a relatively clear indication of a scarlet fever disease.

Organ diseases affecting the metabolism

Severe damage to the liver in the form of liver cirrhosis is manifested, among other things, by changes in the mouth or on the tongue. Metabolic changes associated with cirrhosis of the liver cause atrophy of the papillae of the tongue, which subsequently leads to a smooth appearance of the tongue surface (lacquer tongue) and can cause a painful burning sensation.

The lacquer tongue is in addition to the Mundwinkelhhagaden, Spider-Naevi (reddish veined vascular nodules), redness of the palms, the yellowish discoloration of the skin (jaundice) and a significantly swollen belly (due to ascites or fluid retention) as a typical sign of cirrhosis. In addition, nonspecific symptoms such as lack of concentration, headaches or tiredness can occur.

Underactive thyroid glands can cause sensation on the tongue that is perceived as burning sensation in the mouth. (Image: Kateryna_Kon / fotolia.com)

Another possible cause may be hormonal impairments as a result of hypothyroidism. The lack of thyroid hormones leads to abnormal sensations on the tongue, which can be felt as oral burning.

Other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include impaired concentration, fatigue, loss of appetite, constipation, and mental distress in the form of depressive moods. Furthermore, a so-called myxedema, which describes a flat swelling of the skin - usually in the limb area - threatens. Myxedema can, at worst, result in a so-called myxedema coma. In addition to changes in the appearance of the skin, warning signs include a significant drop in heart rate, low blood pressure, reduced body temperature and impaired reflexes.

Other causes of mouthburn

Skin diseases such as the lichen planus (Lichen planus) may also affect the oral mucosa (lichen planus mucosae) and thus trigger a burning sensation in the mouth. In addition, in some people anatomical features of the oral mucosa structure can be seen, which favor the occurrence of inflammation and the associated oral burning.

Salivary gland disorders, such as the so-called Sjögren syndrome, result in persistent dry mouth, which in turn may cause increased burning on the tongue. The ascending gastric acid in a gastric acid reflux (short
Reflux) also occasionally causes irritation of the oral mucosa, which can cause a painful oral burning.

Some patients with food allergy feel when picking up the allergens an unpleasant tingling sensation to burning on the tongue or the oral mucosa. This is usually accompanied by swelling of the mucous membranes and tongue, as well as significant discomfort in the digestion of the appropriate foods. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are typical consequences. Also, skin irritations may show up as a violently itchy rash. You may experience breathing difficulties. In the worst case, a so-called anaphylactic shock threatens.

Also, the use of certain medicines (for example, ACE inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants) is associated with a burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue, in which case an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the medication is considered the main cause of the symptoms. In the treatment of cancers in the head and neck area by means of radiation therapy, however, the direct damage to the mucosal structures by irradiation is often the occasion for a subsequent mouthburn.

Occasionally, the discomfort of the mouth and tongue in women is associated with hormonal changes during menopause.

Another possible trigger for the complaints is the Kawasaki syndrome. This disease characterized by acute inflammation of the blood vessels is usually accompanied by fever, changes in the oral mucosa and tongue, conjunctivitis, rash and more rarely by symptoms such as lymphadenopathy. Possible other concomitant symptoms of Kawasaki syndrome include respiratory problems such as cough and runny nose, joint pain and potentially life-threatening heart problems such as inflammation of the heart muscle or coronary arteries.

diagnosis

A look into the oral cavity usually provides already relatively clear evidence of a possibly existing pathological event as a trigger of the oral burning. Often, clearly visible whitish deposits, redness or swelling appear. Even aphthae are recognizable as small whitish, red-bordered tissue injuries.

Measuring body temperature also provides important clues as to whether mechanical irritation or an infectious event is the cause. Proper assessment of concomitant symptoms is particularly crucial in detecting conditions such as scarlet fever, mouth blight or Kawasaki syndrome.

Laboratory tests of a smear of the oral mucosa or tongue serve to detect viral, bacterial and mycogenic infections. A blood test may detect iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency. Damage to the liver and hypothyroidism can also be detected on the basis of the blood count.

A thorough dental check for decay, tartar and periodontal disease can help diagnose the causes of mouthburn. If in doubt, the removal of a tissue sample is performed to determine the cause of the complaints clearly. If food allergy is suspected, an allergy test is also recommended.

Spicy spices should be avoided to avoid additional irritation of the oral mucosa. (Image: jd-photodesign / fotolia.com)

Treatment of mouthburn

Depending on the various causes, the therapeutic procedure may differ significantly. For mechanical irritations, it is primarily intended to avoid prolonged exposure. This is done, for example, in the case of poorly fitting dentures by means of a correction of the prostheses used or caries by means of a dental restoration. Is a tick, such as chewing on the cheek the trigger, promising a psychotherapeutic treatment improvement.

As a rule, bacterial infections of the oral mucosa can be treated relatively successfully with the help of antibiotics. This also applies to diseases of scarlet fever, which is usually resorted to penicillin. Fungal infections of the oral mucosa or tongue are, however, treated with the help of so-called antimycotics.

In viral infections of the oral mucosa, such as oral blight, however, a causal treatment is usually not possible and the therapy focuses instead primarily on the relief of the symptoms. Here are painkillers used to prevent the burning of the mouth and possibly also antipyretic drugs used. So-called antivirals, such as acyclovir, may also be used, at the physician's discretion, to treat the viral causes of mouthburn. However, their use is not uncontroversial in viral infections of the oral mucosa.

If a disease is caused by lichen planus, cortisone remains the drug of choice in mainstream medicine, with oral treatment using cortisone tablets.

In a connection of the symptoms with a hypothyroidism, the metabolic balance is restored by administration of thyroid hormones. However, in this way, the impairment of the organ can not be resolved and those affected must in case of doubt take their entire life medication.

In any case, liver disease requires the avoidance of all liver-damaging substances (for example, medicines, alcohol) in order to prevent a further deterioration of the organ condition. However, damage to the organ at the later stage of the disease is irreversible, and liver transplantation may be the last option.

If allergic reactions or toxic influences are the cause of mouthburn, it is especially important to avoid further contact with the triggers. In this way, the recurrence of the symptoms should be prevented and an early healing possible.

The treatment of Kawasaki syndrome is usually on a drug level using immunoglobulins, acetylsalicylic acid or cortisone-like drugs and usually requires a hospital stay to detect possible life-threatening impairments of heart function early.

In general, for most causes, a certain change in diet is recommended for mildly soft, spicy, mild foods to avoid additional irritation of the oral mucosa. Dry, rough food, especially hot and spicy dishes as well as strong acid foods are unsuitable.

Cool drinks ideally in the form of cold chamomile tea, however, can accompany the therapy for alleviation. In the case of a lack of iron or vitamins, the change in diet is also a good option to remedy the deficiency by selecting the right foods, so that the affected person may be spared the use of appropriate iron or vitamin supplements.

Special measures for oral hygiene such as the use of mouthwashes, gels or oral sprays are sometimes also highly recommended depending on the condition underlying the symptoms. With their help, the bacterial load in the mouth can be significantly reduced, at least in the short term. However, an own therapy with such preparations is strongly discouraged.

Chamomile tea relieves the unpleasant sensation in the mouth. (Image: Sonja Birkelbach / fotolia.com)

Naturopathy in mouthburn

The naturopathic treatment for burning in the mouth is basically also to the causes of the complaints align, however, promise some herbal medicines also a general relief of the symptoms. For example, tea from chamomile, sage, and peppermint in inflammatory processes in the mouth is generally attributed a positive effect. A reduction in the pain sensitivity of the oral mucosa and thus the burning of the mouth in general should develop linden flower tea, tea from Malvenblättern and marshmallow root tea.

Naturopathy uses Marum verum as a homeopathic remedy for inflammation of the oral mucosa and tongue. Also, the application of myrrh tincture is attributed a positive effect against tongue inflammation (glossitis). Extracts of myrrh, chamomile, sage and peppermint can be used as a mouthwash. From the area of ​​the Schüssler salt therapy, mainly the Schüssler salts No. 3 (Ferrum phosphoricum) and No. 4 (potassium chloratum) are used against a Stomatitis or Glossitis.

Since inflammatory events in the mouth are often thought to be associated with a general acidification of the organism, from a naturopathic point of view, methods for restoring the balance in the acid-base balance are available.

For recurring bacterial or mycogenic infections of the oral mucosa, measures that strengthen the immune system may be appropriate. Which method is used to build up the body's own defenses should be made dependent on the individual requirements of the patients. A promising effect is attributed, for example, to self-blood therapy or intestinal cleansing. (fp, last updated on 2.3.2018)