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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffBurning mouth syndrome is uncommon. Your risk may be greater if:
- You're a woman
- You're in your 50s, 60s or even 70s.
Burning mouth syndrome usually begins spontaneously, with no known triggering factor. But some research studies suggest that certain factors may increase your risk of developing burning mouth syndrome. These risk factors may include:
- Being a so-called "supertaster," or someone with a high density of the small tongue bumps called papillae, which contain taste buds
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Previous dental procedures
- Allergic reactions to food
- Medications
- Traumatic life events
- Stress
References
- Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose & throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2617&searchStr=burning+mouth+syndrome. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Burning mouth syndrome. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Burning/BurningMouthSyndrome.htm. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- What is burning mouth syndrome? Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=293&Topic=B&ArtID=1141#body. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Mirowski GW, et al. Biology and pathology of the oral cavity. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2979105&searchStr=glossalgia#2979105. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Klasser GD, et al. Burning mouth syndrome: Recognition, understanding, and management. Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America. 2008;20:255.
- Drage LA, et al. Clinical assessment and outcome in 70 patients with complaints of burning or sore mouth symptoms. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 1999;74:223.
- Drage LA, et al. Burning mouth syndrome. Dermatologic Clinics. 2003;21:135.
- Drage LA, et al. Burning mouth syndrome (glossodynia). In: Lebwohl MG, et al. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2010:111.
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