Burning mouth syndrome - Burning Mouth Syndrome Articles

Burning mouth syndrome
September 23, 2004
By Mayo Clinic staff
MayoClinic.com
Overview
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex, vexing condition in which a burning pain occurs on your tongue or lips, or over widespread areas involving your whole mouth, without any obvious reason.
The disorder has long been associated with a variety of other conditions Û including menopause, psychological problems, nutritional deficiencies, and disorders of the mouth, such as oral thrush and dry mouth (xerostomia). More recently, some researchers have suggested dysfunctional or damaged nerves as a possible cause. But the exact cause of burning mouth syndrome is often difficult to pin down, and pain may continue for months or years.
Treatment is highly individualized and depends on your particular symptoms and on the underlying cause or causes, if they can be identified. Most people with burning mouth syndrome can decrease their symptoms through tailored treatment plans.
Other names sometimes used for burning mouth syndrome include scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia and stomatodynia.
Article sections:
Overview
Signs and symptoms
Causes
When to seek medical advice
Screening and diagnosis
Treatment
Coping skills