What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in your mouth, lips, or tongue. This sensation is often described as a burning, burning, or tingling sensation. BMS is more common in women than men. It is found more often in women during or after menopause. The cause of BMS can be difficult to determine. Some people may have symptoms for months or years and never know why.
Symptoms:
Some people with BMS report symptoms that come on suddenly. For others, they may develop gradually over time. Typical symptoms of BMS include:
- Burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, or lips
- Dry mouth
- Bitter or metallic taste
- Loss of taste
BMS can happen every day or it can come and go. Some people wake up with pain and it lasts all day. Others wake up with some pain but it gets worse as the day goes on. Regardless of the pattern, symptoms can last for months to years.
What causes burning mouth syndrome?
The exact cause of burning mouth syndrome is unknown. Cases have been linked to:
- Nerve damage
- A dental procedure
- Nutritional deficiencies (such as iron, zinc, or certain B vitamins)
- Menopause or other hormonal changes
- Certain medicines (such as ACE inhibitors) used to treat high blood pressure
- Severe allergic reaction
- Health condition that alters taste or saliva production
- Oral infection (thrush)
- Mental disorders (such as anxiety or depression)
Often there is more than one cause. Sometimes doctors can’t find a cause.
You have a higher risk of developing BMS if you:
- A woman
- post-menopause
- Over 50 years old
How is burning mouth syndrome diagnosed?
There is no simple way to test the BMS. Your doctor will examine your mouth and ask about your medical history and symptoms. This will help to more accurately identify a possible cause. They may perform tests to rule out other possible problems. This may include an oral swab to check for thrush. It may also include blood tests to check for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or mineral deficiencies.
Can burn mouth syndrome be prevented or avoided?
Because you don’t know what causes BMS, you can’t prevent or avoid it.
Treatment of burning mouth syndrome
There is no specific cure for burning mouth syndrome. The best thing you can do is address your symptoms. Treatment is based on your symptoms, their severity, and the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
- Products that secrete saliva and relieve dry mouth
- Vitamin supplements (such as iron, zinc or B vitamins) to provide nutrition
- Ointments (such as Capsaicin) for pain relief
- Medicine for depression or anxiety to relieve pain and improve your nervous system
If your doctor thinks a certain medication is causing BMS, they may recommend switching to a new medication.
If your doctor can’t find a cause, he or she may recommend trying a thrush medication, a B vitamin supplement, or an antidepressant. They have been found to be effective in the treatment of BMS.
Living with Burning Mouth Syndrome
Most cases of BMS improve on their own. Additional tips to ease your symptoms include:
- Suck shaved ice
- Drink lots of fluids
- Abstain from spicy and hot foods
- Avoid foods and drinks that are high in acid, like citrus fruits, soda, and coffee
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products
- Avoid products that contain alcohol
- Try a new brand of toothpaste