What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is the name for burning pain in your mouth that doesn't have a known cause. Most often, the pain is on the tip of your tongue or roof of your mouth. But sometimes, it affects the front of your mouth or the inner part of your lips. It often lasts many years.
About a third of people who have burning mouth syndrome say it started after some kind of dental work, an illness, or a course of medication. But most can't link it to any unusual event.
Burning Mouth Syndrome Symptoms
If you have BMS, your mouth can feel like you just had hot coffee or hot soup. It feels different for each person. In general, burning mouth syndrome symptoms can include:
- A burning feeling on the tongue, roof of the mouth, gums, inside of the cheeks, and in the back of the throat, which may ease with eating or drinking
- Numbness or tingling of the tongue, which can come and go
- Trouble swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Changes in taste, such as a bad taste of metal in your mouth
The pain may worsen throughout the day. If the burning doesn't go away or if it worsens, see your dentist or doctor.
Burning tongue
When BMS affects your tongue, it can come on suddenly and feel like you burned it while drinking a hot cup of coffee. However, with BMS, that burning tongue sensation can come and go throughout the day and last months or years.
Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome
BMS is classified as primary or secondary, depending on the cause.
Primary burning mouth syndrome
Also called idiopathic burning mouth syndrome, it happens when the burning pain can't be explained by a lab test or other health condition. Doctors think the cause could be damage to nerves that control taste or pain.
Secondary burning mouth syndrome
Sometimes, BMS results from another health event or condition. In this case, it's called secondary burning mouth syndrome.
Causes of secondary burning mouth syndrome include:
- Acid reflux (acid from your stomach comes back up into your mouth)
- Allergic reaction to materials used in dentures
- Anxiety or depression
- Changes in hormones due to thyroid disease, diabetes, or menopause
- Dry mouth resulting from diseases or treatments; for example, Sjögren's syndrome and radiation therapy
- Medications used to treat blood pressure
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid
- Reaction to certain toothpastes or mouthwashes
- Stress
- Thrush (a yeast infection in your mouth)
Risk Factors for Burning Mouth Syndrome
BMS is more common in women than in men. You might be more likely to get it if you're:
- A woman in the age group of 50-70
- Going through menopause
Burning Mouth Syndrome Diagnosis
Your doctor will want to know about your symptoms and when they began. They'll also ask if you have allergies, take any medications, or smoke or drink often. The doctor will examine your mouth and check for infection.
You may need several tests to rule out other medical issues. These include:
- Allergy test to see if you have an allergic reaction to a product or medication
- Biopsy (the doctor removes a small piece of tissue from your mouth and sends it out for tests)
- Blood tests to see if you have thyroid problems or diabetes
- CT scan (several X-rays are taken from different angles and put together to show a more complete picture)
- MRI (powerful magnets and radio waves combine to make detailed images)
- Salivary flow tests to measure your saliva
Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment
If your doctor finds a health problem or other cause for your burning mouth, you have secondary BMS. They'll treat the issue, and your symptoms should get better. If not, there's no known cure for burning mouth syndrome, but there are ways to ease and control your symptoms.
Depending on the cause of your BMS, the doctor may suggest one or more of these treatments:
- Medicines that help with nerve-related pain, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)
- Capsaicin, a pain reliever made from hot peppers
- Clonazepam (Klonopin), taken in low doses
- Female hormone replacement
- Mouth rinses
- Products that replace your saliva
- Vitamin supplements
Also, here are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms.:
Instant relief from burning mouth syndrome
If you are searching for ways to ease your BMS symptoms quickly, you can start by drinking cold water and sucking on ice chips. You can also chew sugar-free gum, which will help you make more saliva. These steps can help you fight dry mouth and reduce pain.
Complications of Burning Mouth Syndrome
BMS is a chronic pain condition and can affect your quality of life. It may take many doctor visits to diagnose the condition. The pain may last for months, even years. Some people have pain every day.
The pain may make you feel depressed, stressed, or anxious, making it hard to do everyday activities and sleep. Any type of chronic pain can lead to anxiety, which is known to cause sleeping problems.
Takeaways
Burning mouth syndrome is a condition that causes a burning pain in the mouth without a clear cause, often affecting the tongue and roof of the mouth. Symptoms can include a burning sensation, numbness, dry mouth, and changes in taste. It may start after dental work or other health issues. While there is no known cure, medications and lifestyle changes can offer relief.
Burning Mouth Syndrome FAQs
Are there any home remedies to alleviate symptoms of burning mouth syndrome?
Apart from your medical treatments, you can make some lifestyle changes at home to help ease BMS symptoms, such as avoiding acidic and spicy foods and beverages, alcohol, and tobacco. You should also take steps to stay hydrated to ease dry mouth symptoms.
How can I manage the emotional impact of chronic pain from burning mouth syndrome?
Research shows that having BMS can up your chances of having depression and anxiety. Managing stress and practicing coping techniques can help you ease your symptoms. Try relaxation exercises or join a support group.
