Published: May 20, 2009 5:00 am
powered by: Sun Journal
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have burning mouth syndrome and am very discouraged at my prospects. Vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections and nerve conditions have been ruled out. The doctor told me that, aside from temporary relief with a mouth rinse, nothing can be done. Do you have any insights? - M.P.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Do you know about burning mouth syndrome? I have had it for four months. It is a nightmare. I need some answers. - R.R.
ANSWER: Burning mouth syndrome is every patient's and every doctor's nightmare. The patient suffers from constant pain; the doctor suffers from a lack of information on its cause and its treatment. It's something that happens most often to postmenopausal women. The tongue feels like it's on fire, and often the lips, gums, roof of the mouth and throat are involved.
A number of conditions are sometimes seen in association with it - diabetes, lichen planus, anemia, viral infections, yeast infections, the dry mouth of Sjogren's syndrome, iron deficiency, deficiencies of some B vitamins and ill-fitting dentures. In honesty, although looked for, these disorders are rarely found.
Rinses might provide more than temporary relief. Rinsing with cold apple juice helps some people. A mouth rinse composed of equal parts Benadryl elixir and Kaopectate, both nonprescription items, can be effective. The mixture is used three times a day and again before bedtime, and it is swished in the mouth for 20 seconds and then spit out. A rinse made with a few drops of Tabasco sauce in a teaspoon of water is another homemade remedy. Swish it in the mouth briefly, and then spit it out. Tabasco contains capsaicin, which depletes nerve chemicals that generate pain. It temporarily worsens the burning. If it increases the pain too much, ditch this treatment.
Doctors have prescribed Klonopin (an anti-anxiety medicine) and amitriptyline (an antidepressant) as adjuncts in controlling the pain of burning mouth syndrome.
 |
Alice N from Virginia says: | 2009-09-12 18:34:59 |
| Dear Dr. D. I have had BMS for two years and have tried all the home remedies you have mentioned but to no avail. Neuratin (Gabapentine) helps a little as does a rinse with soda bi-carb 3x/day. and Alpha Lopoic Acid, 600 mg and lots of water and chewing sugarless gum. I have lots of Saliva except for when I wake up and then I have severe dry mouth. Help! |
||
Comments: 1