$Unique_ID{BRK03551}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Burning Mouth Syndrome}
$Subject{Burning Mouth Syndrome Burning Tongue Syndrome Oral Galvanism
Glossodynia Glossopyrosis Stomatodynia Stomatopyrosis Glossitis Vitamin B12
Deficiency}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1986, 1988 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

234:
Burning Mouth Syndrome

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of this article (Burning Mouth
Syndrome) is not the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYM list to
find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.

Synonyms

     Burning Tongue Syndrome
     Oral Galvanism
     Glossodynia
     Glossopyrosis
     Stomatodynia
     Stomatopyrosis

Information on the following disorders can be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:

     Glossitis
     Vitamin B12 Deficiency

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section
of this report.


Burning Mouth (and/or Tongue) Syndrome is characterized by a burning sensation
in the mouth and/or on the tongue.

Symptoms

Burning Mouth and/or Tongue Syndrome may be the first symptom of vitamin B12
deficiency.  The disorder is characterized by a burning sensation in the
mouth and/or on the tongue.  When Vitamin B12 Deficiency does not cause this
disorder, a Candida albicans infection or irritation from dentures may cause
these symptoms.

Causes

The cause of Burning Mouth and/or Tongue Syndrome, when it is not associated
with Vitamin B12 Deficiency, or the other conditions mentioned above is
unknown.  Many causes have been suggested by researchers, including allergic
reactions to pollen, cereals, metals and materials used in the manufacture of
dentures.

A burning feeling in the mouth can be the initial symptom of Vitamin B12
deficiency.  The symptom can disappear when the underlying deficiency is
corrected.

Affected Population

The majority of people with Burning Mouth Syndrome are women past the onset
of menopause.  The disorder often tends to affect denture wearers.  When
Vitamin B12 Deficiency is identified it is important treat it promptly.

Related Disorders

Symptoms of the following disorders may be similar to those of Burning Mouth
Syndrome.  Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:

Glossitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue.  Geographic
Tongue, also known as "Benign Migratory Glossitis" is characterized by denuded
smooth areas which may be painful.  Symptoms of Moeller's Glossitis include a
slick, glossy or glazed tongue.  (For more information, choose "Geographic
Tongue" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Vitamin B12 Deficiency is characterized by an abnormally low level of
this vitamin in the blood.  The disorder can be caused either by a poor diet,
or inadequate absorption (e.g., Pernicious Anemia or bowel surgery) or
utilization of B12.  Changes in the blood and central nervous system may
occur.  A burning sensation in the mouth is one of the first symptoms of
Vitamin B12 Deficiency.  Injection of this vitamin usually cures the disorder
if the underlying cause is also being corrected.  Since excess amounts of
vitamin B12 are stored in the liver for a long period of time, onset of
Burning Mouth may be gradual with other symptoms following much later.  (For
more information, choose "Vitamin B12 Deficiency" as your search term in the
Rare Disease Database.)

Therapies:  Standard

Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome consists of intramuscular injections of
vitamin B12 if it is caused by this vitamin deficiency.  If it is not caused
by B12 deficiency vitamin supplements are not recommended.  If patients prove
to be allergic to substances in their dentures, another set should be made
from other materials.  When allergies to other substances cause this
disorder, conventional treatment for allergy is recommended if contact with
the substance cannot be avoided.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
November 1988.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to
keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and
accurate.  Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for
the most current information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Burning Mouth Syndrome, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     NIH/National Institute of Dental Research
     9000 Rockville Pike
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 496-4261

     For more information about Vitamin B-12 Deficiency contact:
     National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
     Box NDDIC
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 468-6344

References

BURNING MOUTH:  AN ANALYSIS OF 57 PATIENTS:  D.J. Zegarelli;  Oral Surg (July
1984: issue 58(1)).  Pp. 34-38.

ORAL MUCOSAL DISORDERS IN DENTURE WEARERS:  J.L. Dorey, et al.;  Journal
Prosthet Dent (February 1985: issue 53(2)).  Pp. 210-213.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME:  M. Grushka;  Oral Surg Oral
Med Oral Pathol (January 1987: issue 63(1)).  Pp. 30-36.

ISOTOPE-DILUTION ASSAY FOR URINARY METHYLMALONIC ACID IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF
VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY.  A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION:  D.B. Matchar, et
al.;  Ann Intern Med (May 1987: issue 106(5)).  Pp. 707-710.