Stomatodynia – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 08, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Stomatodynia, also referred to as burning mouth syndrome (BMS), is characterized by a chronic burning pain in the tongue, lips, palate, or the entire mouth. The exact cause of stomatodynia is not known. Stomatodynia in itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition. Some of the possible underlying conditions that can cause stomatodynia include allergies, hormonal imbalances, dry mouth, acid reflux, infections of the mouth, medications, deficiency in iron, zinc deficiency, anxiety, and diabetes. In some cases, stomatodynia occurs on a daily basis for long periods of time, while it occurs periodically in other cases. Stomatodynia is also known as oral dysaesthesia, glossodynia, glossopyrosis, and stomatopyrosis.

Known symptoms of stomatodynia

In addition to pain, other known signs of stomatodynia include tingling or numbness, a metallic taste, changes in the taste sensation, and dry mouth. Stomatodynia can also cause other complications, such as emotional stress, difficulty in sleeping, difficulty in eating and chewing, and reduced quality of life.

Body systems harmed by stomatodynia

The body system harmed by stomatodynia is the digestive system.

List of foods or nutrients that may prevent stomatodynia

Because stomatodynia can occur due to deficiencies in zinc or iron, it can be prevented by eating foods rich in zinc and iron. Foods rich in zinc include the following:

Dark chocolate
Eggs
Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans
Meat
Nuts such as pine nuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds
Shellfish
Seeds like hemp, squash, pumpkin, and sesame seeds
Whole grains, such as wheat, quinoa, rice, and oats

Foods rich in iron include:

Chicken
Dried fruits
Grains, such as whole wheat, brown rice, and fortified breakfast cereals
Green vegetables, such as spinach, silverbeet, and broccoli
Fish
Lentils and beans
Meat
Nuts and seeds

Treatments, management plans for stomatodynia

Treatment options for stomatodynia include the following:

Sucking on small ice chips to relieve the burning sensation.
Drinking or sipping cold drinks throughout the day to ease mouth pain.
Avoiding foods that contain high acid levels.
Avoiding foods and drinks that worsen or trigger the burning sensation, such as hot drinks, spicy foods, and alcohol.
If the burning sensation worsens after brushing your teeth, change your toothpaste or use baking soda as a toothpaste or mouth rinse.
Stay active and practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress, such as yoga, exercise, and meditation.