Burning mouth syndrome
In various conditions, such as ‘lichen planus’ or ‘geographic tongue’, a painful or burning sensation can occur in the mouth or on the tongue; in these cases there is a visible abnormality of the mucous membrane. Sometimes complaints of a burning sensation occur without any visible abnormality. We then speak of ‘burning mouth syndrome’. The complaints often concern the tongue, but sometimes also the palate, cheeks, lips and occasionally the throat.
Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome
Complaints of a burning mouth or tongue can last for months or even years. In some patients they develop spontaneously, but they often occur after dental or medical treatment. Sometimes the patient sees the use of antibiotics as the cause. Occasionally a patient attributes the complaints to a major personal event, such as the loss of a loved one. Sometimes the patient thinks an underlying, possibly malignant, disease is involved. This is practically never the case.
Patients often say their complaints are almost absent in the morning, but increase during the day and feel unbearable in the evening. Many patients with a burning tongue or mouth also experience an altered or even absent sense of taste and a feeling of a dry mouth.
Burning mouth syndrome affects about 1 in 10,000 people, so around 1,700 people in the Netherlands suffer from it. Mainly because it is so rare, it is understandable that patients, doctors, dentists and dental hygienists have little experience with it. It usually only occurs after the age of 40–50, and much more often in women than in men.
The causes of burning mouth syndrome
The cause of burning mouth syndrome is unknown. Since the complaints mainly occur in women around and after the menopause, it is understandable that patients often make that connection themselves. However, this relationship has never been scientifically proven. Vitamin deficiency, diabetes and certain medications have also never been proven to be the cause. Psychological suffering is often mentioned in the literature as a possibility, but there is insufficient evidence for that either.
If no abnormalities of the mucous membrane are found during the oral examination, further investigation rarely leads to a finding that is relevant for treating the complaint. This applies to blood and saliva tests as well as, for example, tissue examination.
How much does this treatment cost?
What can you do about burning mouth syndrome?
As mentioned, complaints of a burning tongue or mouth can persist for months to years. They almost always disappear by themselves. Since the cause is unknown, unfortunately it cannot be treated well either. When the complaints completely dominate a patient’s life, professional guidance may be needed to learn to cope with them. Occasionally the GP prescribes sedatives. This is not proof that it is all ‘psychological’ after all, but it may be the only means that gives the patient some rest and makes the complaint manageable. Unfortunately, alternative medicine does not offer a solution for this unpleasant complaint either.
It is important that no dental or other treatments are carried out unless there is some certainty that they will resolve the complaint.
A look inside the practice
This is what it's like at our practice
Short videos of our team and our practice on the Weena. So you know exactly what to expect — even before your first visit.
Patient experiences
Our patients' experiences
Frequently asked questions
Is burning mouth syndrome contagious?
No, burning mouth syndrome is not contagious and cannot be passed on to others.
How long does burning mouth syndrome last?
The complaints can last for months or even years. But they can also suddenly disappear.
What can you do about burning mouth syndrome?
Unfortunately, treating burning mouth syndrome is very difficult and there is no medication that resolves it directly. Sometimes the GP prescribes a sedative.
Getting here
Loef Mondzorg
Our dental practice at Weena 91 is easy to reach, right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Rotterdam Central Station. Thanks to this central location, the practice is easily accessible by public transport: several train, metro, tram and bus lines stop close to the Weena, including metro lines B, D and E. From Rotterdam Central Station you will be at the practice within a few minutes, making it ideal for residents of Rotterdam as well as patients from surrounding towns.
The practice is also easy to reach by car via the main roads into the city centre, with parking facilities nearby. This means Loef Mondzorg combines a central location with excellent accessibility, both by public transport and by car.
Rotterdam City Centre location
- Weena 91, 3013 CH Rotterdam
- 010 200 4815
- info@loefmondzorg.nl
- KVK 82679282
Opening hours Open now · today until 17:00
- Monday 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday Closed
Also open on Tuesday evenings until 21:00 — easy to combine your visit with work.
Register
Register as a new patient
Our team of dedicated care providers knows how important a healthy, pain-free mouth and a radiant smile are for your quality of life and self-confidence. Curious about our practice? Register and come and visit us. We are happy to guide you through the world of dental care and explain everything clearly with helpful instruction videos.
Emergencies
Do you urgently need a dentist in Rotterdam? Call us directly on the emergency number below and we will help you the same day with acute complaints and emergencies. 010 200 4815
·
Open now · today until 17:00