B12 deficiency symptoms in the mouth
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Oral Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency often presents with several symptoms in the mouth, sometimes even before other systemic signs like anemia appear. The most common oral symptoms include glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth lining), burning sensations, and mucosal ulcerations. Patients may also experience papillary atrophy (loss of the small bumps on the tongue), painful red areas, recurrent ulcers, cheilitis (inflammation of the lips), dysgeusia (altered taste), lingual paresthesia (tingling or numbness of the tongue), and itching or pruritus in the mouth 1234568.
Early Oral Manifestations Before Anemia
Oral symptoms such as sore mouth, glossodynia (painful tongue), and atrophic glossitis (smooth, red tongue) can appear before any changes in blood tests for anemia or macrocytosis. This means that mouth symptoms may be the first and only sign of vitamin B12 deficiency for a period of time, making early recognition crucial for timely treatment and prevention of more severe complications 1368.
Burning Mouth Syndrome and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is frequently associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients with BMS and B12 deficiency often report burning sensations, pain, and discomfort in the mouth. Supplementation with vitamin B12 can lead to significant improvement or complete remission of these symptoms. BMS patients with B12 deficiency also tend to have higher rates of anemia, macrocytosis, and other hematinic deficiencies 910.
Prevalence and Diagnosis in Dental Practice
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a notable cause of oral symptoms seen in dental clinics, especially among women. In studies of patients presenting with burning mouth, angular cheilitis, recurrent ulcers, papillary atrophy, or mucosal erythema, a significant proportion were found to have vitamin B12 deficiency, either alone or in combination with other deficiencies like iron or folic acid .
Response to Treatment
Oral symptoms caused by vitamin B12 deficiency often improve or resolve completely with appropriate supplementation, whether oral or injectable. Early treatment is important, as it can reverse symptoms and prevent long-term neurological damage 128.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a range of oral symptoms, including glossitis, burning sensations, ulcers, and taste changes. These symptoms may appear before anemia or other systemic signs, making them important early indicators. Recognizing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency promptly can lead to rapid improvement in oral health and prevent more serious complications 12345678+2 MORE.
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