Mouth on fire: the drugs that promote Burning Mouth Syndrome

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Mouth on fire: the drugs that promote Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a common, but complex problem that causes patients to experience a burning or scalding pain on the lips and tongue (and sometimes throughout the mouth). Many patients have described the feeling as "scalding." Other symptoms include dry mouth, bitter or metallic tastes and other taste alterations. There are often no visible signs of irritation.

According to Dr. Svirsky, xerostomia, the medical term for a dry mouth, can be a cause of BMS. Dry mouth can be caused by an increase in over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as anti-diuretic, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant (especially tricyclics) and anti-histamine medications. Systemic problems may also be a culprit.

Patients with BMS often say that the pain is gradual and spontaneous, intensifying as the day moves along. It can affect a person's ability to fall asleep. The discomfort and restlessness associated with BMS may cause mood changes, irritability, anxiety and depression. The cause of the syndrome may be caused by the onset of menopause to vitamin deficiencies.

"Dentists diagnose BMS by ruling out systemic problems, such as diabetes, anemia or a vitamin deficiency," says Dr. Svirsky. In some cases, BMS may be caused by the ingredients in toothpaste, such as triclosan found in tartar-control toothpastes, which cause the mouth's delicate tissues to turn red and become irritated and in some cases, slough off.

Treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome depends on the patient and the cause. If the cause is related to the oral cavity and no diagnosis can be pinpointed, the dentist may prescribe medication that promotes the flow of saliva, or advise the patient to drink more fluids or avoid oral health products that contain the ingredient sodium laurel sulfate.

The impact of commonly prescribed medications on oral health will be discussed at "Drugs I Have Known and Loved for Diseases That We Catch" during the upcoming 55th annual meeting of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) in San Diego, California.