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Burning Sensation/Sensitive Tongue

I've had a burning sensation on my tongue for about 1.5 weeks and I dont know if I should visit my dentist or make a doctor appt. My tongue feels as though I've burned it but I havent. Its very sensitive to citrus, spicy foods and its hard to even taste the food. Its even difficult to brush because of the toothpaste, it feels like my tongue and mouth are burning. Also, at the same time the sensations started, I got small red bumps all over my mouth. Very small but visible very close up. Its almost like my lips are chapped. I used 1% hydrocortisone on my lips and that has made the bumps smaller but my tongue condition seems to be getting worse. What can it be? And who should I visit: doctor or dentist? Someone told me it could be an infection trying to get out of my body. Could that be true? Could it be a vitamin deficiency? What can it be related to? I'm an otherwise healthy 25 year old that eats right and exercises. Thanks for your help!!!
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Avatar universal
Have you found any help with your tongue. I have same problem.the burning sensation to toothpaste spicy foods,drinks and food that are hot.i use B-12 vitamin spray on my tongue and it helps but it comes back.
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Avatar universal
that's herpes.
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1 Comments
That's not true at all.
215234 tn?1305142961
Get your vitamin B12 levels checked, this can be a symptom of deficiency or pernicious anaemia. Don't take supplements, they will skew results &  unless you are vegan won't help you, but could delay diagnosis, which can lead to neurological problems & more  
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Avatar universal
I have had a burning sensation every time my finger or nails make contact with my tongue. But this has only started recently, and I've recently started using a new brand of nail polish, so that may be it. It feels as if I am putting pepper spray on my tongue every time I touch it! I should probably just stop chewing my nails!
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much.  I read a lot of comments and your's fit the answer I was looking for.  I think I don't drink enough water and I will look into the other suggestions. :)
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1 Comments
How is your tongue? I'm having the exact same problem,
Avatar universal
Your doctor can give you a mouth rinse that not only disinfects, but numb your mouth as well.  
Until you get to the doctor, Chloraseptic spray can help numb the irritated area so you can at least eat meals with less pain.
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Avatar universal
Are you on Topomax?  That would explain it.
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Avatar universal
Are you on Topomax?  That would explain it.
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Avatar universal
I too have these symptoms.  Mine first appeared shortly after breaking a tooth and the sharp edges seemed to automatically attract my tongue to the sharp point.  I had the edges of the tooth rounded, but symptoms remained. Had the tooth reshaped and filled....no help. Interesting that my symptoms seem to reach a peak about the time I'm worn out for the day....then after a nap or night time I'm okay until I've had my first cup of coffee.  Then the symptoms start again.....burning tongue, sucking of the inside of my mouth and tongue....tingling on the sides of the mouth, lack of taste or foods tasting strange.

I would like to know if an increase in stress is playing a part in any of this.  As I've tried ENT specialists, Dental TMG specialists and Medical Doctors.  So far everything they have prescribed (B vitamins, Biotin, Different Tooth paste, Flexeril, Ibuprofen, tooth gaurds, etc.) but little to no help. I DO however see some similarities with others on this thread (which could be coincidental).  

do you smoke? No
do you have allergies? Yes, which progressed into full blown Asthma until I stared taking regular allergy shots about a year ago.
do you currently take meds? which ones? Levothyroxine for thyroid, Statin drugs (Cholesterol), Omeprazole for GERD, Tamsulosin, Flexoril,  
have you recently stopped any meds? No, but don't take as many allergy drugs or nasal sprays as I once did.
Do you wear lipstick?what brand? No
have you had dental work done recently? Yes, and symptoms began shortly after dental work
have you had nose problems or surgery? Yes, had my nose broken 30 years or more ago....had triple bypass about 12 months ago, colon resection and knee surgery.

ALSO....I'd like to know if people on this thread have had recent loss (death in the family or friend, loss of job or major change in job/career, divorce/separation, move of residence...etc.)  I'm frankly finding that the only relief I get is from massages or compresses (hot/cold) sometime around the neck. I even went to my chiropractor which helped for a few days after he adjusted my neck and jaw.  Will check back here to see if anyone else has had any relief via stress reduction.????
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Avatar universal
I too have these symptoms.  Mine first appeared shortly after breaking a tooth and the sharp edges seemed to automatically attract my tongue to the sharp point.  I had the edges of the tooth rounded, but symptoms remained. Had the tooth reshaped and filled....no help. Interesting that my symptoms seem to reach a peak about the time I'm worn out for the day....then after a nap or night time I'm okay until I've had my first cup of coffee.  Then the symptoms start again.....burning tongue, sucking of the inside of my mouth and tongue....tingling on the sides of the mouth, lack of taste or foods tasting strange.

I would like to know if an increase in stress is playing a part in any of this.  As I've tried ENT specialists, Dental TMG specialists and Medical Doctors.  So far everything they have prescribed (B vitamins, Biotin, Different Tooth paste, Flexeril, Ibuprofen, tooth gaurds, etc.) but little to no help. I DO however see some similarities with others on this thread (which could be coincidental).  

do you smoke? No
do you have allergies? Yes, which progressed into full blown Asthma until I stared taking regular allergy shots about a year ago.
do you currently take meds? which ones? Levothyroxine for thyroid, Statin drugs (Cholesterol), Omeprazole for GERD, Tamsulosin, Flexoril,  
have you recently stopped any meds? No, but don't take as many allergy drugs or nasal sprays as I once did.
Do you wear lipstick?what brand? No
have you had dental work done recently? Yes, and symptoms began shortly after dental work
have you had nose problems or surgery? Yes, had my nose broken 30 years or more ago....had triple bypass about 12 months ago, colon resection and knee surgery.

ALSO....I'd like to know if people on this thread have had recent loss (death in the family or friend, loss of job or major change in job/career, divorce/separation, move of residence...etc.)  I'm frankly finding that the only relief I get is
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Avatar universal
do you smoke? No
do you have allergies? Yes
do you currently take meds? which ones? No
have you recently stopped any meds? No
Do you wear lipstick?what brand? No
have you had dental work done recently? Yes, but symptoms existed before dental work
have you had nose problems or surgery? Yes, spinal fusion about 6-12 months before symptoms started

See previous posts about isolation of symptoms to salt in diet...
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Avatar universal
Wanted to add some comments to my last post.  I've tried most things posted on here: biotene, several mouth rinses/washes, changing toothpaste, dental work, vitamins (B/multi/etc), lysine, etc...and nothing helps. I spoke with several MDs with little help.  The only thing that helped was the reduction of salt in my diet.  Eating salt causes the symptoms, and depending on the type of salt and quantity, then symptoms can last for 2-48 hours from one meal.  Oh how I miss those salty popcorn, salty corn chips with salsa....

It does help to rinse with water after eating.  
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Avatar universal
I've had burning tongue for about 2 years and I finally isolate the cause to salt.  Any salty food or drink will agravate the burning tongue symptoms.  

I now eat a low salt diet, which is difficult as everyone puts lots of salt in everything.  Some restaurants have low salt foods, like McD and in-n-out will serve fries without salt.  I hope this help some of you out there.
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Avatar universal
Regarding tongue burning...medications will not help.  I too had these symptoms. The symptoms are caused from a food allergy.  Turns out I am allergic to cashews.  If you have the burning, swelling, and pain you have a allergy to a particular food.
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Avatar universal
I am curious to know what you found out, Shootingstarz. I have just spent the past half hour cruising through this site. My symptoms have been:  GERD, and hiatel hernia diagnosis. Now taking 20mg Prilosec daily. Have been on that for one year. I have noticed a few "taste" issues. A month ago, I picked up my husband's Sprite, had a drink and nearly threw it all up. It tasted like pure burning chemical to me. I was shocked that he was even drinking it. Sometime later, I had a vodka and tonic with lime - IT WAS TERRIBLE. I notice the very back of my tongue and far back on each side "burning", irritated, even. I have now been paying more attention. Anything that is fizzy tastes HORRIFIC and burns a little. I have started to notice this week that my tastes buds just aren't quite "right". It should be noted that I believe I am slightly dehydrated often. I use cinnamon Crest toothpaste two times a day. I do take Vitamin B+ and D+ daily. I plan to switch to Biotin toothpaste, change out my toothbrush. TRY REALLY hard to up my water intake, but I am not sure what else I need to do. I feel a "gross" taste at the back of my mouth...
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13862177 tn?1431813117
So happy to find others with this issue.....mine comes and goes....gets worse when I eat acidity foods......like pineapple,,,,etc...
Dr. has no idea what is causing it......and as with others....I get so frustrated when it flares up,,,,,gawd....you can hardly eat anything.......,,
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Avatar universal
I am so glad to see I am not the only one who has this issue of burning tongue and no Dr can figure it out, my tongue also bleeds at times and just recently my bottom lip has been swelling, and of course I smoke so they blame all this on that, well I don't I am on so many meds that to me they can't blame it all on smoking, and I to have gerd and a slow digestive system ever since then my tongue has been like this.

Joyce
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Avatar universal
I agree, Biotene works the best so far.  I am not on any medication, but citrus seems to inflame it, not oranges, but lemons.  I have read alot of the postings and as usual, the medical community is unhelpfull, however the posts have been excellent, and I am so pleased to find help.  You guys are great.  I am  also going to try Alpha Lipoic Acid and a periwinkle derivitive.  Will report back.
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Avatar universal
I have been following this post for about 2 months.  I saw several fixes but nothing worked for me.  I went to the doctor in January.  He diagnosed me with a mild case of thrush on my tongue.  He gave me Nexium which did nothing.  Then a rinse which worked for about 3 weeks.  Finally, I went to my dentist the other day.  He couldn't find anything wrong with my tongue whatsoever.  He told me to start using Biotene toothpaste and stop using whatever I was using which was Crest Total.  So far, it is working.  I can eat salsa, now.  It is 95% better.  I still have minor issues but nothing like before.  I only use Biotene and I brush my tongue when I brush my teeth.  Also, plan to get a new toothbrush every 2 or so months.  Thought I'd log into this site and share this with everyone.  Try Biotene and see if it works but I'd not hesitate to go to a dentist.  
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Avatar universal
What you describe is exactly my symptoms... have you found anything to make it better?      thank you Bill
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Avatar universal
I have had this problem with my tongue for several months-  Your post hit a nerve - I too had unexplained vertigo about 1 year ago- went to the hospital etc - still unexplained.  I am a 65 year old male - was smoking cigars and stipped as I suspected the burning etc was tongue cancer - my Doctor checked out my tongue and said its in my head -   I hope we can get to the bottom of this it is very annoying
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Avatar universal
I get the burning tongue and sores on the sides of the tongue when this one specific person comes into work.  She knows I am allergic to sesame. I think she sprays herself with it. Whenever she comes in I get the terrible burning sensation.  I think I am going to quit because my boss will not do anything about it.
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Avatar universal
100% agree with the iron deficiency/ice eating.  I was low on iron many years ago and ate ice like crazy.  When I got my iron back to normal, the desire went away.
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Avatar universal
I see your point but I googled this issue and found his question.  I have seen several who have found relief with certain vitamins.  I do not mind reading about everyone's issues because I want to see if any of them are like mine.  I think that is what these forums are for.  If they had the exact same problem and found something that works, it would be very helpful.  
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