Burning Mouth Syndrome - Signs and Symptoms of BMS

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful, frustrating condition often described as a scalding sensation in the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth. Although BMS can affect anyone, it occurs most commonly in middle-aged or older women.

BMS often occurs with a range of medical and dental conditions, from nutritional deficiencies and menopause to dry mouth and allergies. But their connection is unclear, and the exact cause of burning mouth syndrome cannot always be identified with certainty.

Signs and Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Helpful Tips
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Signs and Symptoms
Moderate to severe burning in the mouth is the main symptom of BMS and can persist for months or years. For many people, the burning sensation begins in late morning, builds to a peak by evening, and often subsides at night. Some feel constant pain; for others, pain comes and goes. Anxiety and depression are common in people with burning mouth syndrome and may result from their chronic pain.

Other symptoms of BMS include:

tingling or numbness on the tip of the tongue or in the mouth
bitter or metallic changes in taste
dry or sore mouth.

Causes
There are a number of possible causes of burning mouth syndrome, including:

damage to nerves that control pain and taste
hormonal changes
dry mouth, which can be caused by many medicines and disorders such as SjàgrenÌs syndrome or diabetes
nutritional deficiencies
oral candidiasis, a fungal infection in the mouth
acid reflux
poorly-fitting dentures or allergies to denture materials
anxiety and depression.
In some people, burning mouth syndrome may have more than one cause. But for many, the exact cause of their symptoms cannot be found.

Diagnosis
A review of your medical history, a thorough oral examination, and a general medical examination may help identify the source of your burning mouth. Tests may include:

blood work to look for infection, nutritional deficiencies, and disorders associated with BMS such as diabetes or thyroid problems
oral swab to check for oral candidiasis
allergy testing for denture materials, certain foods, or other substances that may be causing your symptoms.

Treatment
Treatment should be tailored to your individual needs. Depending on the cause of your BMS symptoms, possible treatments may include:

adjusting or replacing irritating dentures
treating existing disorders such as diabetes, SjàgrenÌs syndrome, or a thyroid problem to improve burning mouth symptoms
recommending supplements for nutritional deficiencies
switching medicine, where possible, if a drug you are taking is causing your burning mouth
prescribing medications to
relieve dry mouth
treat oral candidiasis
help control pain from nerve damage
relieve anxiety and depression.
When no underlying cause can be found, treatment is aimed at the symptoms to try to reduce the pain associated with burning mouth syndrome.

Helpful Tips
You can also try these self-care tips to help ease the pain of burning mouth syndrome.

Sip water frequently.
Suck on ice chips.
Avoid irritating substances like hot, spicy foods; mouthwashes that contain alcohol; and products high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
Chew sugarless gum.
Brush your teeth/dentures with baking soda and water.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco products.

Talk with your dentist and doctor about other possible steps you can take to minimize the problems associated with burning mouth syndrome.