How long does the burning last?
Since tongue burning is in most cases a symptom of another disease, it often disappears when the underlying disease is treated or the causal problem is resolved. For example, compensating for a vitamin deficiency or correcting tooth irregularities or other mechanical irritations in the mouth leads to an improvement in tongue tip problems. A prolonged or chronic course is rather rare as long as there is an organic cause. However, if there is a psychological component underlying the tongue–burning, protracted courses can certainly occur and often only improve with the mental state.
Associated symptoms
In addition to the burning pain at the tip of the tongue, redness and a streaky or spotty change in the mucous membrane in this area may be noticeable. The sensitivity of the tip of the tongue may also be altered. A reduced sense of taste is also often noticeable: Our tongue surface can be divided into different taste zones, with a main zone for each of the five tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami).
In the area of the tip of the tongue the taste is mainly sweet. This taste can therefore be changed or reduced when the tip of the tongue is burning and aching. Painful blisters on the tongue, also known as aphtae, are mucous membrane damage with an inflammatory border.
They do not only occur on the tongue, but above all in the area of the oral cavity and the gums. The cause of these vesicles is largely unexplained. Bacteria and viruses (especially staphylococci, adenoviruses and herpes viruses) are suspected, but genetic components also seem to play a role. Stress, hormonal constellations, mucous membrane injuries, vitamin B12/iron/folic acid deficiency and other existing diseases (celiac disease, chronic inflammatory bowel disease) are also discussed.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a burning tongue or tip of the tongue usually results from the patient interview and the clinical examination. During the clinical examination of the tongue, it may be reddened, blotchy or streaky and with enlarged papillae of the tongue. For a more precise clarification of the cause, a blood sample may also be useful to reveal a possible vitamin or iron deficiency or even a sugar disease. An examination at the dentist for possible mechanical obstacles during speaking and swallowing can also be useful.