Burning Mouth Syndrome: Causes, Triggers & Relief

What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

When you have a constant burning, scalding, or tingling sensation in your mouth without any visible injury, it is called burning mouth syndrome.

It affects your tongue, lips, insides of cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth. It feels similar to burning your mouth on scalding tea or soup, even when there is no burn.

Burning Mouth Syndrome vs. a Burn on the Palate

It’s important to distinguish between burning mouth syndrome and a simple palate burn.

A burn caused by hot food or beverages:

• Has an identifiable cause
• produces redness or blistering
• Heals within several days
• Improves steadily over time

On the other hand, burning mouth syndrome:

• Has no obvious cause
• Usually shows no visible sores
• May persist for months
• Can come and go or remain constant

A dental evaluation is recommended if it lasts for more than two weeks.

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?

There are multiple causes of a BMS:

• Nerve dysfunction: Abnormal nerve function can impact how pain signals are processed.
• Dry mouth: Reduced saliva production can irritate oral tissues and cause a persistent burning sensation.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin B12, iron, folate, or zinc can contribute to burning symptoms in some individuals.
• Hormonal changes: Burning mouth syndrome is more common in women after menopause, suggesting hormonal changes may play a role.
• Oral infections: Yeast infections, such as oral thrush, can cause burning discomfort and should be ruled out during diagnosis.
• Allergic reactions: Certain toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental materials can cause allergic reactions that lead to a burning sensation.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, acid reflux, thyroid disorders, or certain autoimmune diseases can also contribute to oral burning sensations.

Common Triggers That Can Make Symptoms Worse

Patients often sense increased discomfort after:

• Eating spicy foods
• Drinking acidic beverages
• Consuming alcohol
• Smoking
• Emotional stress
• Long periods of talking
• Dry environments

The triggers vary from patient to patient, so you are advised to take note of your triggers.

How do dentists diagnose burning mouth syndrome?

No single test confirms a BMS. Dentists evaluate your mouth and review your medical history to determine the causes. They diagnose it through:

• A complete oral examination
• Review of your medical history
• Evaluation of medications
• Blood tests to identify nutritional deficiencies
• Saliva assessment
• Screening for oral infections

Identifying any underlying medical condition is an important part of successful treatment.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatments

BMS treatment depends upon the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

Treating Nutritional Deficiencies: Vitamin or mineral supplementation can reduce symptoms if nutritional deficiencies are the culprit.

Managing Dry Mouth: Artificial saliva products, increased hydration, and saliva-stimulating strategies can improve comfort.

Medication Adjustments: Your physician shall prescribe substitutes if your current medication is the cause.

Managing Underlying Health Conditions: Treating diabetes, acid reflux, or thyroid disorders can reduce oral burning.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Therapies

Here are some burning mouth syndrome therapies that can help:

• Prescription medications that calm nerve pain
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage chronic discomfort
• Stress-reduction techniques
• Specialized mouth rinses
• Saliva substitutes

Doctors recommend suitable therapies based on the individual examination results.

Expert insight

Dr. Silverman says: “Burning mouth syndrome has many possible causes, so there is no single cure. The key to lasting relief is identifying and treating the underlying cause rather than chasing quick fixes.”

Is There Instant Relief From Burning Mouth Syndrome?

You should know that there is no such thing as instant relief when you have BMS. Also, there is no single cure.

However, temporary relief is possible with:

• Sipping cool water
• Sucking on ice chips
• Chewing sugar-free gum
• Avoiding spicy and acidic foods
• Staying well hydrated

These measures can help while the underlying cause is determined and a treatment course is started.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Consult us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio in the following cases:

• Burning lasting more than two weeks
• Persistent burning of the mouth
• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Changes in taste
• Dry mouth that doesn’t improve
• Recurrent burning without an obvious cause

Book an appointment in time before the condition gets out of hand.

Suffering from Burning of the mouth?

A simple burn in the mouth heals on its own, but a burning mouth syndrome requires professional attention. As it has multiple causes, it’s crucial to determine the cause of the burning and tingling in the mouth and treat it appropriately.

That’s why, if the burning sensation lasts more than 2 weeks, you should book an appointment with Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler. We thoroughly examine your mouth and conduct tests to determine the causes. Based on the underlying condition, we may prescribe therapies for burning mouth syndrome or refer you to a physician.

Call us to learn more about it!

Real patient experience

“Everyone working here is super kind and compassionate. I came here after a bad experience at a different dental office and Peace of Mind made me feel comfortable and at ease with their compassion and expertise, while answering any and every question I had.”

– Katy G., verified Google review

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is burning mouth syndrome?

A: It is a condition that causes a persistent burning sensation in the mouth without any obvious visible injury or infection.

Q: What causes burning mouth syndrome?

A: It can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, dry mouth, nerve dysfunction, hormonal changes, oral infections, etc.

Q: Is burning mouth syndrome permanent?

A: Once the underlying cause is identified and appropriate treatment is started, you can see improvement.

Q: Can I get instant relief from burning mouth syndrome?

A: No, it is not possible, though you can try home remedies for relief, such as sipping cool water and avoiding trigger foods.

Q: When should I see a dentist for a burning mouth?

A: If the burning sensation lasts for more than two weeks, book an appointment with us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: https://www.pomdental.com/burning-mouth-syndrome-causes-triggers-relief/