Sensitive Tongue: What's Happening and What to Do?

Tongue is an important part of the mouth, responsible for the initial processing of food, swallowing, and speech articulation. It is densely covered in taste buds and nerves, which enables it to detect the smallest stimuli, such a taste or pain.

Some menopausal women suffer from an over-sensitive tongue that disables them from enjoying the food or speaking clearly and fluently. This in turn might affect their self-confidence and lead to poor diet. Continue reading to learn why you experience a sensitive tongue and what you can to lessen this unpleasant sensation.

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The Symptoms of Sensitive Tongue

The sensation of a sensitive tongue can be described in a number of ways. It can present as tenderness to certain flavors, such as salty or spicy, or temperatures, like hot or cold. It might feel as if the tongue was burned and irritated, sometimes painful.

Many women keep checking the tongue for any abnormalities, for example; redness, swelling, or patches, but in most cases, there are none to be found. Sensitive tongue can be persistent without showing any physical signs.

The Causes of Sensitive Tongue

Sensitive tongue can be idiopathic, which means that its causes are not known, or it can be caused by various systemic disease and certain behavioral choices. They include:

Treatments for Sensitive Tongue

Proper hygiene

The best way to approach a sensitive tongue is to rule those conditions that are easily treatable. It might be helpful to start with improving oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day with baking soda and using a mild, alcohol-free mouth wash after each meal. Your dentist can check for any gums problems or tooth decay that might worsen your tongue sensitivity.

Vitamins and supplements

You might also consider getting a blood test to check for vitamin deficiency, which can be treated either with supplements or a well-balanced diet. The best food sources of vitamin B₁₂ and iron are beef, fish and seafood, legumes, eggs, and cheese.

Medications

Allergies are best treated with avoidance of the substances that trigger the sensitivity. In severe cases, anti-histamines might be prescribed to subside the allergic reaction. Sensitive tongue can also be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but it involves certain risks and side effects.

Many menopausal women also consider taking natural supplements to balance their fluctuating hormones. Two types that might be effective in alleviating an oversensitive tongue and other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes or mood swings, are phytoestrogens, like soy or red clover, and hormone-regulating supplements. Ask to your doctor if these supplements are right for you, and learn what foods to avoid to alleviate the painful sensation of a sensitive and burning tongue.