Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome is a painful chronic condition that affects all the areas inside the mouth, and although it has no cure, it can be managed.

Burning mouth syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome is the feeling of burning, pain, or tingling in all the areas inside the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, the roof of the mouth, and throat. It has two types:

• Primary burning mouth syndrome: it occurs when there isn’t a clear reason behind it.
• Secondary burning mouth syndrome: it occurs due to a certain condition.

Causes and risk factors of burning mouth syndrome

• Causes of primary burning mouth syndrome: it’s thought that it results from damage in the nerves that are responsible for pain and taste.
• Causes of secondary burning mouth syndrome: certain habits (like tooth grinding, jaw clenching, brushing the tongue heavily, using abrasive toothpaste, overusing mouthwashes, or having a lot of acidic foods or drinks), dry mouth, nutritional deficiencies (low levels of iron or vitamin B), mouth infections, acid reflux, hormonal changes (like from diabetes or thyroid problem), allergies or irritation from dental products or food, certain medicines, stress, depression, and some conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy).
• The risk of burning mouth syndrome increases due to the following factors: females after menopause, smoking, and being older than 50.

Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome

• Burning, painful, or tingling sensation in the mouth.
• Mouth dryness with increased thirst.
• Taste changes or loss of taste.
• Numbness that comes and goes.
• The pain may be reduced when eating or drinking.
• Burning mouth syndrome can cause discomfort and difficulty sleeping.

Diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome

• Blood tests.
• Allergy tests.
• Oral swab test.
• Saliva measurements.
• Tissue biopsy.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of burning mouth syndrome

• Treating burning mouth syndrome depends on the cause.
• Methods to manage the symptoms: pain relievers, saliva replacement products, mouth rinses, and avoiding the triggers.