What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Medically Reviewed By Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP

Burning mouth syndrome, also known as BMS or glossodynia, is a chronic condition in which the mouth has a constant burning feeling. The pain is usually on the roof of your mouth or tip of the tongue, and it has no known cause. According to The American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), the condition is rare and only affects around 2% of people in the United States. Understanding the potential causes of the condition can help to manage the pain.


This article will explain what burning mouth syndrome is. It will also describe the symptoms, causes, and treatment options of the condition.

What is burning mouth syndrome?

Burning mouth sensation is a painful condition often Trusted Source National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Governmental authority Go to source described as having a burning, tingling, or scalding feeling in the mouth. It can appear suddenly, may last for years, or develop gradually over time.

The sensation can be severe, often as if you have actually scalded your mouth. There are also other sensations associated with it, such as dryness or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

It may increase with talking, eating spicy foods, or during times of stress.

Who gets burning mouth syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome usually Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source occurs in females (assigned at birth), especially during menopause. Females over the age of 50 are more at risk of developing the condition.

However, burning mouth syndrome only affects around 2% of the population. Most people under 30 years old rarely Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source get the condition.

How long does it last?

The condition usually Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source lasts at least 4–6 months but may last on and off for years.

What are the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome?

The main symptom of burning mouth syndrome is a painful, scalding sensation usually located in the lips, the tip of the tongue, or more widespread around the mouth. It may feel like you have scalded your mouth after drinking a hot drink.

Other symptoms include:

According to the AAOM, there are typically three clinical patterns of symptoms:

  • The burning sensation develops gradually as the day progresses, with no burning upon waking up.
  • The feeling of burning continues throughout the day.
  • The burning happens intermittently, on and off.

Some people may Trusted Source National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Governmental authority Go to source feel reduced pain when eating and drinking. The symptoms may last for years and can vary for different people.

When to contact a doctor

You should contact a doctor for any painful sensation you may feel in the mouth. There could be a serious underlying cause.

What causes burning mouth syndrome?

There is no clear cause of burning mouth syndrome. However, there may Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source be potential factors without one definitive cause.

Depending on the cause, there are two types Trusted Source National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Governmental authority Go to source :

  • Primary: Primary burning mouth syndrome occurs without an underlying medical condition. Instead, experts believe this type results from damage to the nerves.
  • Secondary: Secondary burning mouth syndrome occurs due to an underlying medical cause. Treating the underlying cause will resolve the issue.

Menopause

This condition occurs Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source mostly in menopausal females, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in its development.

Decreased estrogen levels may lead to a decline in the mouth’s oral mucosal tissue. This change increases the likelihood of inflammation and decreases saliva production. This, in turn, could lead to the sensation of burning in the mouth.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage may impact the nerves that control taste or pain. Primary burning mouth syndrome occurs when Trusted Source National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Governmental authority Go to source a person has nerve damage and no other underlying cause.

The term for nerve damage conditions is “neuropathic pain.”

Read more about nerve pain here.

Mental health conditions

Studies Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source have shown a connection between burning mouth syndrome and depression or anxiety. Pain from the condition may cause depression and anxiety.

Antidepressants can help people with burning mouth syndrome, mainly because dealing with the daily pain can result in depression.

Other conditions that may cause burning mouth syndrome include:

Your doctor or dentist will perform certain tests to determine the exact cause. These tests can determine whether it is primary or secondary burning mouth syndrome.

How is burning mouth syndrome treated?

Treatment for burning mouth syndrome aims to address the cause and alleviate symptoms. If you have secondary burning mouth syndrome due to an underlying condition, your doctor or dentist will treat the cause.

Depending on the cause, treatment can include:

Burning mouth syndrome is a long-term condition. Therefore, learning to cope with the pain can be just as important as treatment. Coping methods can include:

Home remedies

Other home treatments include:

  • sipping water frequently to prevent dry mouth, which usually makes the burning sensation worse
  • sucking on ice chips
  • chewing sugar-free gum
  • using alcohol-free mouthwash
  • avoiding hot drinks
  • avoiding spicy or acidic foods
  • using toothpaste for sensitive mouths
  • using baking powder and water as a toothpaste

Diagnosis

Burning mouth syndrome may Trusted Source National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Governmental authority Go to source be hard to diagnose since it is not a visible condition.

Talking with your dentist is a good idea, as they are familiar with oral conditions. Some dental problems, such as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, may relate to burning mouth syndrome. An oral health specialist may also help.

Diagnosis tests may include:

  • blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions
  • allergy tests
  • oral swab tests
  • tissue biopsy
  • saliva flow test

Complications

The pain of burning mouth syndrome may affect your quality of life. Chronic pain is hard to manage and can make you feel depressed or anxious.

Along with treatment, coping methods for pain can also help manage the condition.

Summary

Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic condition that causes a burning feeling in the mouth. It can happen anytime, but it is most common in females over 50. It has no definitive cause. Treatments aim to manage pain and help potential underlying conditions.

Contact your doctor if you experience any burning sensations in the mouth or elsewhere in the body.

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Medical Reviewer: Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP
Last Review Date: 2022 May 25
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