Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is the medical term for the recurrent burning sensation in the mouth. It may occur from months to years without an obvious cause. It usually doesn’t produce any noticeable physical changes to the tongue or mouth. This discomfort may affect the inside of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, gums, tongue, lips, or other widespread areas of the mouth. The burning sensation can be severe as if you scalded your mouth.
Symptoms Of Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Burning or scalded sensation in the tongue, lips, gums, throat or whole mouth
- Sensation of dry mouth with increased thirst
- Loss or change in taste, such as a bitter or metallic taste
The discomfort from the burning mouth syndrome has various patterns. It may occur the moment you wake up, becomes worse as the day progresses or may just come and go for a few minutes.
Symptoms may suddenly go away on their own or become less frequent in rare cases. Some burning sensation may be temporarily relieved during eating or drinking.
Cause Of Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Primary BMS – Primary burning mouth syndrome is related to problems with taste and sensory nerves of the peripheral or central nervous system.
- Secondary BMS – Some factors linked to secondary burning mouth syndrome include:
o Dry mouth
o Fungal infection
o Nutritional deficiencies
o Oral habits
o Psychological factors
There is no specific diagnosis for burning mouth syndrome. However, there are series of tests to determine the underlying cause of the burning pain. Because BMS is a complex pain disorder, the treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It is still best to visit your dentist right away to address the discomfort, burning, or soreness of your mouth.
You may be able to reduce or prevent the burning sensation from getting worse by avoiding tobacco, carbonated drinks, excessive stress, spicy, and acidic foods. Your doctor will help you get relief.