A DENTAL patient unable to get a diagnosis for two years was finally told he had a condition called burning mouth syndrome.
Clive Armitage eventually had his answer from Synergy Dental Clinic, on Chestergate, Macclesfield.
He had first tried to get to the bottom of his symptoms – including a metallic taste and discomfort – in 2022. But three different dentists and a GP were unable to, one even removed a healthy tooth incorrectly thinking this was the source of his problem.
Clive finally got a diagnosis from Synergy’s Doctor Anshul Jairath and was referred to a specialist and his condition, linked to stress, is now being treated. He said: “The first time I walked in we had a chat, I sat in the chair and Dr Jairath said ‘I think I know what this is‘.
“Nobody, including my doctor, knew about this. Why? I knew there were hospital dentists, but I had no idea about oral medicine, nobody mentioned it until I came here.
“The dental profession has changed dramatically since I was a child.” Clive, who is in his 60s, can now get prescriptions for medication such as numbing agents which lessen the sensation of burning and take steps to manage triggering stress levels.
Burning mouth syndrome is a condition that primarily affects patients over the age of 50 and commonly women rather than men. It is characterised by a metallic or bitter taste accompanied by a burning sensation on the tongue, gums, lips, or roof of the mouth and usually worsens throughout the day.
A Synergy spokesperson said: “When you see a dentist or any medical professional, you’re going to them in the good faith that they will do anything to help you. “We’re so glad that Dr. AJ’s fast actions helped Mr Armitage, at the end of the day, helping patients is the whole reason we became dentists in the first place.”