“Why is my tongue hurting and burning?”
I'm experiencing an odd pain and burning sensation in my tongue. I have heard this could be a sign of a yeast infection, but I don't see any physical symptoms. Is it something to be concerned about or a temporary phase? What's my next step in treating this issue?
5 Answers
It is a difficult diagnosis to make and the cause may not be found. Start with a visit to your dentist and if he doesn’t find anything, then schedule a visit with your ENT, it could be so many things or nothing, in which case it will be considered a case of burning mouth syndrome.
Tongue pain and burning can be a symptom of a yeast infection of the mouth, as you indicated, and at times the classic findings of white patches may not be apparent. There are other viral and bacterial infections that can cause tongue pain and burning as well. Additionally, gastric reflux can result in these symptoms. There are some systemic diseases as well as nutritional deficiencies that could lead to this. Establishing the diagnosis will help guide the necessary treatment for each of these causes.
Hello.
Assuming there are no masses in, or “rashes” on the surface of your tongue, a burning sensation of your tongue is a common complaint. It can sometimes be due to the type of toothpaste you use. Tartar fighting pastes are usually more acidic, and sensitive tongues can become irritated from this exposure. An easy first step is to change your brand of toothpaste to a baking soda based toothpaste.
Dehydration and smoking will also aggravate this. Having nasal obstruction or congestion, enough to make you a mouth breather can also contribute to burning tongue. Having that addressed may help.
An acute fungal infection usually shows white spots or plaques in your mouth and throat. However sometimes a more chronic infection will leave you with what appears to be pink, bland areas that almost look like bald spots on the tongue. Usually an anti fungal rinse can help with this.
Most burning tongue conditions are benign in nature but can persist. If this is the case, it is best to be seen and followed by your dentist or your family physician.
Good luck!
Dr. LeBlanc
Assuming there are no masses in, or “rashes” on the surface of your tongue, a burning sensation of your tongue is a common complaint. It can sometimes be due to the type of toothpaste you use. Tartar fighting pastes are usually more acidic, and sensitive tongues can become irritated from this exposure. An easy first step is to change your brand of toothpaste to a baking soda based toothpaste.
Dehydration and smoking will also aggravate this. Having nasal obstruction or congestion, enough to make you a mouth breather can also contribute to burning tongue. Having that addressed may help.
An acute fungal infection usually shows white spots or plaques in your mouth and throat. However sometimes a more chronic infection will leave you with what appears to be pink, bland areas that almost look like bald spots on the tongue. Usually an anti fungal rinse can help with this.
Most burning tongue conditions are benign in nature but can persist. If this is the case, it is best to be seen and followed by your dentist or your family physician.
Good luck!
Dr. LeBlanc
Unfortunately you may be developing what is called “burning tongue” or “burning mouth” syndrome. Most often seen in women, more often around menopause (but can occur whenever). Usually with no physical findings. Often urgent cares and primary care providers treat it as a yeast infection but it isn’t and the antifungals don’t help. It sometimes is caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies and will get better with vitamins (I’ve never seen it but supposedly can help). Can be seen with anemia. Sometimes symptoms get better with treatment of that. Often none of these things help. Can sometimes treat with medications for neuropathy (which is basically what it is) like neurontin or elavil. Theses sometimes help but not always. In cases when it occurs around menopause sometimes hormone replacement helps. In some cases, unfortunately nothing helps. But in these cases, often the symptoms resolve spontaneously, but this can take years to happen.
NO alcohol, smoking, acidic/spicy foods for ten days. Rinse mouth with diluted baking soda (half tsp in 8 oz of lukewarm water, 4 times a day). If have acid reflux, take Prilosec 20mg twice a day. If persists, see ENT. Wouldn't hurt to take Vitamins C, E, and zinc tablets.
