Question:

what could be causing my 12 yr old sons tongue to burn

Answer:

Without any other details, the most likely reason for burning sensations of the tongue in someone your son’s age would be recent use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic, possibly for a sinus or ear infection.  This upsets the balance among the numerous microbes that normally live in the mouth.  As a result, patients may develop a yeast or fungal infection of the tongue that is often associated with a reddish color to the upper (dorsal) surface.  This problem usually resolves relatively soon after the antibiotic use stops. 

 

If this setting does not apply to your son, I would advise that a dentist see him or dental specialist to assess the burning sensations and determine whether they can related to any physical changes of the tongue itself.

Good luck!  

For more information:

Go to the Healthy Mouth, Healthy Kids health topic.