Burning Mouth Syndrome: Causes, Treatment & Symptoms

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is an oral condition characterized

Burning Mout Syndrome (BMS) is an unpleasant condition where the patient experiences a burning sensation in his/her oral cavity. The pain occurs suddenly and lasts only for a short period of time. In most cases, the symptoms disappear within a couple of hours. However, if left untreated, they could last for days.

People with BMS frequently report that the burning gets worse throughout the day. Your lips may feel fine when you wake up but start to burn during the day. When you sleep, the pain may ease. The next morning, the cycle repeats itself.

Burning tongue syndrome (BTS) occurs when there’s an unpleasant sensation in the back of the throat, which may be accompanied by a metallic taste, and sometimes, a dry mouth. It usually lasts for less than one minute. BTS is not dangerous but it can cause discomfort.

What are the different types of burning mouth syndromes?

There are two types of burning mouth syndrome (BMS):

• When burning mouth syndrome (BMS) isn’t caused by an underlying medical condition, primary BMS refers to the symptoms of burning mouth
• If secondary BMS is caused by a medical condition, treating the condition usually cures burning mouth syndrome.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is more likely to occur in some people than others.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is most common among women in menopause. It occurs when there is an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone.

A second factor that makes women and men who were born female more likely to have BPS is their ability to taste things. There are genetic differences in people’s abilities to taste. You might be a:

• Nontaster.
• Medium taster.
• Tasters who experience flavors more intensely than others.

Women are more likely to be supertasters than men. Most women with BME have lost some of their taste sensitivity. Studies show that many people with BME also clench their teeth, which can cause increased pain. Pressure on the teeth may make the pain worse.

Geographic tongue isn’t always associated with BMS. In some cases, people who have it may also experience red patches on their tongues.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) causes discomfort when eating or drinking.

Burning mouth syndrome symptoms include:

• A pain in your mouth that feels cold, hot, numb, or tingly.
• A numb feeling in your mouth that comes back and forth.
• Altered taste.
• Dry mouth.

What causes primary burning mouth syndrome?

Researchers believe the cause for primary BMS is nerve injury affecting the area of your mouth that controls taste and pain (taste). There’s a link between burning mouth syndrome and taste (gustatorial) changes.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an oral condition characterized by persistent sensations of warmth, tingling, numbness, or pain in the lips and/or tongue. It may be caused by several factors, including medication use, stress, hormonal changes during menopause, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medical conditions.

Secondary burning mouth syndrome (SBM) occurs when there is an underlying cause for the symptoms.

Secondary BMS caused by medical conditions include:

• Acid reflux.
• Allergic reactions to metal dental products or specific foods.
• Depression.
• Hormonal changes.
• Mouth infections.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

People who have Sjögren‘s syndrome (which causes painful dryness of their mouths) may experience burning mouth syndrome.

Do some medications cause burning mouth syndrome?

Yes. Medications related to BMS include antihypertensives, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications. For example:

• Captopril.
• Clonazepam.
• Efavirenz.
• Enalapril.
• Fluoxetine.
• Hormonal replacement therapies.
• Sertraline.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is caused by a lack of certain vitamins.

If you sometimes feel like your tongue feels hot, cold, numb, tingly, or swollen when eating certain foods, you may be deficient in one or more vitamins (B12, folic acid

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) isn’t contagious.

Not really. Because the cause of primary BMA is nerve damage, you cannot pass it onto others.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is diagnosed by examining the patient’

It’s difficult to diagnose BMS because part of the diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, such as a fungal infection (thrush) or an oral yeast infection (oral thrush).

If you experience any symptoms, go to the dişçi first. Poor oral hygiene causes one third of all BMS cases, so if necessary, your dişçi might refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

Your healthcare provider might use one or more tests to diagnose you.

• Allergy tests.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.
• Oral swab tests.
• Salivary flow test.
• Tissue biopsy.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

What can I do if I get burning mouth syndrome?

You might be able to get relief from the pain by sucking on ice chips or chewing gum. If that doesn’t help, ask for a prescription for topical or systemic clonazapam (Klonopin).

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is usually treated by prescribing

For treating BMS, some medications can help, including:

• Some antidepressants.
• Antiseizure medication.
• Gabapentin (used for seizures and herpes pain)

Your doctor can help determine what medication might work best for you. If dental issues are causing your BMS, your dişçi may be able to treat them. An underlying medical condition could also be causing your burning mouth. Switching medications may help you find the right one for you.

PREVENTION

What can I do to prevent burning mouth syndrome?

You may not be able to avoid BMS completely, but you can minimize its effects by avoiding things that irritate your mouth, including:

• Alcohol.
• Citrus fruits are high in acidity.
• Hot and spicy foods or drinks.
• Mouthwash containing alcohol.
• Tobacco products.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of Vitamin B12, Folate, and Iron.

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) has been increasing in prevalence worldwide.

If you’re one of those people who gets BMS (burning mouth syndrome) for a few years before seeking help from your doctor, then you may want to consider waiting until it resolves itself naturally. However, if you notice any signs of oral cancer, seek medical attention immediately.

Burning mouth syndrome usually goes away within two weeks.

Burning mouth syndrome usually lasts for several weeks or months. About one third of people who suffer from burning mouth syndrome get better within three to five years without treatment.

BMS treatment can be effective within days or weeks. Discuss your options with your doctor.