The mouth and tongue are necessary to talk and eat. The mouth is composed of mucosal tissues, while the tongue is composed of muscle that contains taste buds. Sometimes, the mouth and tongue are infiltrated with bacteria or their cells grow at an abnormal rate. In some cases, the mouth or tongue may be painful and actually feel like they are burning. These could be signs of specific diseases that affect the mouth and tongue.
Oral Thrush
The Mayo Clinic says that oral thrush refers to a fungal infection affecting the mucosal lining of the mouth. Specifically, Candida albicans is the fungus that causes white lesions or patches to form on the tongue, inner cheeks, tonsils, gums and palate. The Mayo Clinic says that these lesions can be painful and actually bleed when scraped. Also, oral thrush can lead to loss of taste and a cotton-like feeling in the mouth. Sometimes, it can progress to the throat, causing difficulty swallowing.
The Mayo Clinic also says that nursing mothers can also develop thrush on their nipples. Signs of this include red and itchy nipples, pain within the breast or alteration in the appearance of the aureola.
HIV or AIDS, diabetes, cancer and vaginal yeast infections can increase the risk of developing oral thrush, says the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment for oral thrush involves antifungal medications to destroy the Candida albicans fungus. Sometimes, eating yogurt or consuming acidophilus capsules can also treat oral thrush. In breastfeeding mothers, physicians may prescribe an antifungal cream for the breasts and an antifungal medication for the baby, says the Mayo Clinic.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to a type of cancer that begins in the mouth. According to MedlinePlus, oral cancer typically involves the tongue and lips. A lesion, ulcer or lump may form and it may be dark or pale in color. Usually, they are tiny and painless but become painful over time. Alterations in taste sensation, trouble swallowing and mouth sores are typical manifestations, says MedlinePlus. Treatment involves utilizing chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the oral cancer cells. Also, surgeons can also remove the lesion or lump.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
FamilyDoctor.org says that burning mouth syndrome is a disease in which pain occurs in the lips, tongue and mouth. Unfortunately, the exact reason is unknown. Anxiety or depression may play a role. However, it is indicated that nerve damage to the tongue may be to blame.
Specific manifestations of burning mouth syndrome include a mouth that feels like it has been burned. For instance, this burning sensation is likened to drinking extremely hot coffee. A dry or sore mouth and a metallic taste in the mouth are also symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, says FamilyDoctor. org.
Treatment for burning mouth syndrome includes taking tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or benzodiazepines such as clonazepam. Capsaicin rinses may also help burning mouth syndrome sufferers.
