Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a painful, frustrating condition often described as a scalding sensation on the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth. Although BMS can affect anyone, it occurs most commonly in middle-aged or older women. BMS often occurs with a range of medical and dental conditions, from nutritional deficiencies and menopause to dry mouth and allergies. But their connection is unclear, and the exact cause of BMS cannot always be identified with certainty.
Signs and Symptoms
Moderate to severe burning in the mouth is the main symptom of BMS and can persist for months or years. For many people the pain is either constant or intermittent, with the burning sensation beginning in late morning, building to a peak by evening, and often subsiding at night. Anxiety and depression are common in people with BMS and may result from their chronic pain. Other symptoms of BMS include:
- Tingling or numbness on the tip of the tongue or in the mouth
- Bitter or metallic chages in taste
- Dry or sore mouth
Causes
There are many possible causes of BMS, and some patients may have more than one. Occasionally, a cause may not be found. Causes include:
- Damage to nerves that control pain and taste
- Hormonal changes
- Dry mouth, which can be caused by many medicines and disorders such as Sjögren’s disease or diabetes
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection in the mouth
- Acid reflux
- Poorly-fitting dentures or allergies to denture materials
- Anxiety and depression
Diagnosis
A review of your medical history, a thorough oral examination, and a general medical examination may help identify the source of your burning mouth. Tests may include:
- Blood work to look for infection, nutritional deficiencies, and disorders associated with BMS such as diabetes or thyroid problems
- Oral swab to check for oral candidiasis
- Allergy testing for denture materials, certain foods, or other substances that may be causing your symptoms
Treatment
Treatment should be tailored to your individual needs depending on the cause of your BMS symptoms, including:
- Adjusting or replacing irritating dentures
- Treating existing disorders such as diabetes, Sjögren’s disease, or a thyroid problem to improve burning mouth symptoms
- Recommending supplements for nutritional deficiencies
- Switching medications, where possible, if a drug you are taking is causing your burning mouth
- Medications that treat dry mouth, oral candidiasis, oral nerve pain, associated anxiety and depression
When no underlying cause can be found, treatment is aimed at the symptoms to try to reduce the pain associated with burning mouth syndrome.
Helpful Tips
You can also try these self-care tips to help ease the pain of burning mouth syndrome:
- Sip water frequently
- Suck on ice chips
- Avoid irritating substances like hot, spicy foods; mouthwashes that contain alcohol; and products high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices
- Chew sugarless gum
- Brush your teeth/ dentures with baking soda and water
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products
Talk with your dentist and doctor about other possible steps you can take to minimize the problems associated with burning mouth syndrome.
