**4.5 Glossodynia**

In glossodynia, the main symptoms that patients encounter are pain, twitching and a burning sensation in the tongue. In some cases, no clear organic changes are ever found. Flare of the tongue, and an atrophy of the filiform papillae similar to that seen in geographical tongue can be found (Fig. 6). Possible predisposing factors include psychological factors, galvanic current, mechanical stimulation, allergy to metal elements eluted from a dental prosthesis, or a shortage of an essential nutrient.

Fig. 6. Glossodynia.
