Burning at the tip of the tongue

introduction

A burning sensation at the tip of the tongue or the tongue in general is also called glossodynia or glossalgia.
The burning pain can be limited to a certain area of ​​the tongue or felt diffusely over the entire tongue. Parasitic sensations and disorders in the taste sensation can also appear accompanying. The pain in the area of ​​the tip of the tongue can be very uncomfortable, as this area is almost always mechanically irritated when speaking and swallowing.

causes

The causes of tongue burning at the tip of the tongue can be varied. On the one hand, pain can occur here as part of general illnesses. B. at

• Vitamin B deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Diabetes mellitus
• Reflux disease
• Viral infections.

But mechanical stimuli such as pointed / sharp tooth edges, tartar, braces or crowns can lead to tongue mucosal injuries and a painful tongue tip. In addition, allergic reactions to certain foods and general inflammation of the gums can spread to the tongue and cause painful irritation of the mucous membranes.

Read also: Pain in the tongue

Vitamin deficiency

Burning of the tongue is known, especially in the context of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12, one of the most important vitamins for blood formation, can cause inflammation of the tongue (Hunter glossitis) if it is deficient. This leads to burning pain in the area of ​​the tip of the tongue and the edges of the tongue, reddening and streaky, blotchy changes in the tongue mucosa, sensory disturbances and taste disturbances.

In addition to a vitamin B12 deficiency, a deficiency in vitamin A or vitamin C can also cause glossitis. The symptoms and the changes in the tongue are usually completely regressive to remedy the vitamin deficiency.

Read more on the topic: Vitamin B12 deficiency

Mental causes

Another cause of a burning sensation on the tongue can also be mental problems or illnesses.

Some mental illnesses, such as depression, can manifest themselves in physical symptoms, including burning tongue. However, there is no direct correlate to an altered tongue mucosa. Even with severe stress or in the context of anxiety, there is now and then a connection to symptoms such as burning sensations of pain in the area of ​​the tongue.

therapy

The therapy for a burning tip of the tongue is primarily based on the trigger for these symptoms.
Thus, for example, either the treatment of underlying diseases or deficiency symptoms (vitamin / iron deficiency) or the removal of mechanical stimuli (tartar, tooth fillings, etc.) are in the foreground.
Pain-relieving and disinfecting mouthwashes can be used as well, for example with chamomile. During this time, you should avoid eating particularly hot and spicy dishes, as well as nicotine and alcohol, in order to avoid additional irritation of the mucous membranes.

homeopathy

The homeopathic therapy attempt essentially comprises two remedies: on the one hand Marum verum (cat's gamander). On the other hand, Mezereum Seidelblast, also used for skin and mucous membrane inflammation, blistering and burning tongue.

How long does the burn last?

Since burning tongue is in most cases a symptom of another disease, it often disappears once the underlying disease has been treated or the underlying problem has been resolved. For example, compensating for a vitamin deficiency or eliminating tooth irregularities or other mechanical stimuli in the mouth leads to an improvement in the symptoms of the tongue tip.

A protracted or chronic course is rather rare as long as there is an organic cause. However, if the burning of the tongue is based on a psychological component, protracted processes can certainly occur and often only improve with the mental state.

Concomitant symptoms

In addition to the burning pain at the tip of the tongue, reddening and streaky or blotchy changes in the mucous membrane in this area may be noticed.
The sensitivity of the tip of the tongue can also be changed. In addition, a reduced sense of taste is often noticeable: Our tongue surface can be divided into different taste zones, with a main zone for each of the five flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami). In the area of ​​the tip of the tongue, the taste is mainly sweet. This flavor can therefore be changed or reduced if the tip of your tongue is sore.

Blisters on the tongue

Painful blisters on the tongue, also called canker sores, are damage to the mucous membrane with an inflamed border. They occur not only on the tongue, but also mainly in the area of ​​the oral cavity and the gums. The cause of these vesicles is largely unexplained; bacteria and viruses are suspected (especially staphylococci, adenoviruses and herpes viruses), but genetic components also seem to play a role.

Stress, hormonal constellations, injuries to the mucous membrane, vitamin B12 / iron / folic acid deficiency and other existing diseases (celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease) are also discussed.

Read more on the topic: Canker sores on the tongue

diagnosis

The diagnosis of a burning tongue or tongue tip usually results from the discussion with the patient and the clinical examination.
During the clinical examination of the tongue, it may appear red, blotchy or streaked and with enlarged tongue papillae. For a more precise explanation of the cause, a blood test can also be useful to reveal a possible vitamin or iron deficiency or even a sugar disorder. An examination at the dentist for possible mechanical obstacles during speaking and swallowing can also be useful.