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Why is my tongue burning?

For the last 6 months I’ve experienced a burning sensation on my tongue - it’s quite horrible. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it have a link to the menopause and are there any possible treatments or research related to this condition?

- Janine, UK

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Community comments

26

Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.

  • Michelle6 years ago

    I have no idea but I’ve experienced the same thing

  • Jane6 years ago

    I have had a soreness on my tongue on and off for the last year as if I have burnt it eating something hot.

    • Gina6 years ago

      Same here...like individual taste buds are burned. Ouch!

    • Heatherreplying to Gina6 years ago

      I've had same for awhile, not sure how to handle it! I have throat drops and hard candy but it does hurt! My Dr is a male so he's totally not supportive and offers nothing ?

  • Anonymous6 years ago

    Hi there, I have!! It’s only in one side though and feels a bit like an anaesthetic wearing off!! I went to the doctor SEVERAL times about it but they can’t identify what the problem is. I’ve noticed symptoms get worse the week leading up to my period.

  • Michelle6 years ago

    No I haven’t but I noticed it’s a symptom on the app. I’d never heard of it before that.

  • Wardy6 years ago

    Hey Janine this was one of my first symptoms along with chronic anxiety. It took me a good while to figure it out but mine was hormonal change and that brought on oral allergy syndrome ( have tons of allergies also got worse) try a strong antihistamine and avoid anything with sodium lauryl sulphate.... things that made it worse, tomato, spicy, minty foods .. it’s trial and error but mine only flares up if I eat the wrong stuff and and mega anxious . Acupuncture massively helped x

  • Anonymous6 years ago

    I am also in the same position as you and need to brush my teeth more often. I have went to Boots and got their own make of mouth wash for burning mouths / dry mouth, also using dry mouth tooth paste. Both of these help Have helped a bit. Looked it up on line and see it’s all related to menopause or as my dentist said woman of a certain age... any other suggestions or help would be great .

    • Wardy6 years ago

      For me it was trial and error cut out the foods that made it worse and used sensodyne toothpaste and no mouth wash for a while ... try an antihistamine maybe . They also sell some drops as well can’t remember the name but will have a look x

    • Anonymousreplying to Wardy6 years ago

      Thanks will give the antihistamines a go if you could remember the drops I will also give it a go .. Anything to see if it works ?‍♀️

  • Kim6 years ago

    Hi. I have that too. I was referred to the hospital & was told it’s Burning Mouth Syndrome. I’ve been suffering for at least 4 years with it now. Drives me nuts some days. So sorry you’re experiencing it too xx

  • Kim6 years ago

    Hi, I have that too. I was forever telling my dentist at my 6 monthly check ups to check my mouth again because it felt like it was burning - even my tongue. As if I didn’t want it in my own mouth. Eventually he referred me to the hospital where I discovered I had Burning Mouth Syndrome brought on by menopause ☹️. I’ve been suffering for at least 4 years with this now. Some days aren’t as bad as others. So sorry you’re experiencing the same thing x

    • Anonymous6 years ago

      Hi, I have these symptoms and was referred to a Maxillofacial consultant. Didn’t even enter my mind that it could be related to the menopause. Bloods were taken and diagnosed with Burning Mouth Syndrome which apparently can go on for years. Stress can make it worse. I also have good and bad days with Anxiety. Supplements of Zinc and Alpha Lipoic acid may help, but told the symptoms will be around for a few years.... I find, spicy, garlic and onion based food makes it worse and peppermints. Flavouring olive oil in a jar with garlic is a subtle way to cook some meals.

  • Anonymous6 years ago

    Oh my goodness- I have not yet faced this one but this whole menopause thing is like one cruel joke from nature. I appreciate everyone on here being so positive meanwhile I’m over here mad at the universe for cursing females with one problem or another for most of her living days. What the actual heck. Seriously. Pain of cramps, childbirth etc isn’t enough? Universe says hey let’s set your mouth on fire, that sounds fun.

  • Tracy6 years ago

    Hi I have burning mouth, doctors and dentist, can’t seem to help, I have had a burning Tonge and bad taste in my mouth for over 2 years. Does anyone know if HRT as helped, my doctor wants me to try it as I have bad sweats and anxiety too.

    • Anonymous3 years ago

      My nephrologist in the US gave me a prescription for pilocarpine (salagen). It works sometimes. It increases the saliva in my mouth. Also could try Xylomelts. My primary care provider and dentist thought I was just crazy.

  • Anonymous6 years ago

    I had this for a few weeks, I thought it was a reaction to some peanut butter, but it didn’t go away tongue still feels prickly now

  • Jill6 years ago

    I developed this horrible sensation about 3 months ago as well-one of my first main symptoms. I also get extremely dry lips and my skin occasionally breaks down at the corners. This is all new for me. My GP has detected that I have low iron levels and that this might be causing some of these symptoms- so hopefully iron supplements will help. I’m also using sensodyne toothpaste and Gengigel mouthwash which helps a little bit is £10 a small bottle! Not enjoying peri-menopause so far!!!

  • Jen6 years ago

    Well crap! Me too. Was wondering what the heck was going on. It on the sides of my tongue. Super annoying and makes me think I’m getting sick or sore throat. With all this COVID stuff I was monitoring it as a possible Symptom. Thank goodness it’s not. But it’s almost a little numb for me.

  • Melissa6 years ago

    I have times when my mouth feels sore or even burning when I brush my teeth (I use basic Sensodyne). I figured it was related to thinner skin. (I also had it about 5 years ago while I was in the hospital, so maybe it’s affected by certain meds.)

  • jackie6 years ago

    Hi guys, I had something like this a couple of years ago. Whenever I ate, it felt like I had put acid in my mouth, it was so uncomfortable to eat anything. I went to the doctor, who sent me for blood tests. Turns out I had a b12 deficiency, which can cause oral symptoms like ulcers. I now get a b12 injection every 3 months and the mouth burning has gone!

  • Anonymous6 years ago

    Could it be acid related ? ..

  • Anne6 years ago

    I’ve had this every month to every other month appearing in the side of my mouth or on the tongue. Strong wines and spicy foods would trigger it. My doctor prescribed me Gabapin for my insomnia. Thank God it has helped me sleep better. Plus it took my hot flushes away and reduced the occurrence of burning tongue syndrome.

  • Paula6 years ago

    I too have had this symptom recently, I thought I had oral thrush from a course of antibiotics! Although my mouth was sensitive before like the oral allergies I have. Sore gums when brushing and generalised discomfort!

  • Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Coach6 years ago

    Hi Janine, burning tongue (or burning mouth syndrome) is a surprisingly common symptom of perimenopause. It seems like such a bizarre symptom! But your oral mucosa (the membrane lining your mouth) strongly depends on hormonal balance. So when your hormones are all over the place, like they are in perimenopause, your mouth can undergo a lot of unexpected changes. Studies find that women in perimenopause experience a decrease in saliva, an increase in gum and oral yeast infections, changes in taste (including that metallic taste you are experiencing), and yes, burning pain. Treatment of burning mouth can vary but it is best to meet with both your doctor and dentist to help you come up with a plan to relieve your symptoms and feel less anxious about this odd symptom.

  • Vicky5 years ago

    Along with newly experienced zapping/electric shocks, the tip of my tongue feels like I at several slices of fresh pineapple. That’s the only way I can explain it.

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