Treatment is the first thing on the mind of most who suffer burning tongue sensation - and rightly so. Thankfully, the most effective solutions are far from costing an arm and a leg. Inexpensive and easy to apply to daily life, full relief may be just around the corner: read on for five ways that you should try to get rid of feeling like your tongue is burning off today.
Apply Glycerin Gel
When your tongue feels like it's burning, the first thing that's required is topical relief. Glycerin gel can count itself among the fastest-acting remedies, instantly reducing symptoms to provide a cooling effect. A thin layer is generally sufficient, but it is also important to note that the products results are only short-term and should be used only alongside lasting lifestyle changes. Lavender oil is said to have a similar effect, although care should be taken in order to avoid accidental swallowing, which may be toxic.
Try Alternative Spices
Hot spices make the tongue feel like it's burning in the best of times, let alone when dealing with a true oral condition like chronic burning tongue. Seasonings like cinnamon, pepper, and cayenne are all irritants and aggravate these symptoms, so it's best to avoid them while cooking. There are; however, several other herbs that add flavor without sting: mint, sage, parsley, rosemary, and thyme are all easy to find and highly aromatic.
Hit the Gym
It may seem counter intuitive to work up a sweat while trying to cool off, but regular aerobic exercise is key to long-term relief from feeling like your tongue is burning. This practice helps to regulate weight, overall health, and - crucially, as women get older - all the side effects of menopause. There are a multitude of options for fulfilling this requirement, from walking to kick-boxing to power yoga, so it's easy to find something fun that works for you.
Talk to Your Doctor
If your tongue feels like it's burning for more than a couple of days, it's important to see a healthcare professional to find out if there are any underlying conditions responsible for its appearance. Diabetes, hormonal imbalance, or prescription medications might be to blame, and discovering the source of the issue will help to make an effective plan for future relief.
Explore Herbal Supplements
Particularly for women going through menopause, hormonal imbalance is the culprit behind a burning tongue, affecting the “bitter” taste buds toward the back of the mouth as estrogen levels dip. When lifestyle changes aren't enough to its side effects, herbal supplements can help to regain hormone equilibrium. Phytoestrogenic herbs, like ginseng and black cohosh, replace missing quantities with plant-based substitutes, while other hormone-regulating herbs can support the endocrine system and promote healthier internal production at the source.
Despite its initial discomfort, sufferers can take some comfort knowing that simple fixes do exist for when the tongue feels like it's burning. Try out one or several of the tips listed above for both short - and long-term relief, and burning tongue sensation can become a thing of the past before you know it.
For further information on how to treat this menopause symptom click here.
Sources
- Epstein, Joel B.; Gorsky, Meir; Grushkamier, Miriam. (n.d)."Burning Mouth Syndrome". American Family Physician. Retrieved from www.aafp.org.
- Associated Content.(n.d)."Burning Mouth Syndrome".Retrieved from www.associatedcontent.com.
- Atlantic Dental Group PC.(n.d)."Burning Tongue".Retrieved from www.atlantadentist.com.