This article will explain what burning mouth syndrome is. It will also describe the symptoms, causes, and treatment options of the condition.
Burning mouth sensation is a painful condition
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
However, burning mouth syndrome only affects around 2% of the population. Most people under 30 years old
How long does it last?
The condition
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:
- sour, bitter, or metallic taste in the mouth
- dry mouth
- numbness and tingling
- loss of taste
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
You should contact a doctor for any painful sensation you may feel in the mouth. There could be a serious underlying cause.
There is no clear cause of burning mouth syndrome. However, there
Depending on the cause, there are two
- 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
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
The term for nerve damage conditions is “neuropathic pain.”
Read more about nerve pain here.
Mental health conditions
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:
- endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes
- dry mouth, which can occur due to various medications or side effects of cancer treatment
- issues with the function of your salivary glands
- oral thrush
- food allergies
- acid reflux
- oral irritation, such as brushing your teeth too hard or using abrasive toothpaste
- nutritional deficiencies, such as low zinc, iron, or vitamin B
- past dental procedures
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.
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:
- medications that block nerve pain, such as amitriptyline
- saliva replacement medication
- B vitamins
- prescriptive oral washes
lipoic acid Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source - antidepressants, typically for chronic pain
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:
- yoga
- meditation
- psychotherapy
- cognitive behavioral therapy
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
Burning mouth syndrome
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
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.
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.