Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome is the medical term for ongoing (chronic) or recurrent burning in the mouth without an obvious cause. This discomfort may affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth or widespread areas of the whole mouth. The burning sensation can be severe, as if you scalded your mouth.

This condition is characterized by a burning pain or hot sensation which can be localized to the lips or more widespread in the mouth. This sensation can be continuous or intermittent.

The causes of this syndrome are poorly understood. It may include:

• Allergies
• Hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems
• Infections in the mouth, dry mouth, acid reflux
• Medications
• Nutritional deficiencies in iron or zinc
• Anxiety
• Diabetes

Burning mouth syndrome can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. The symptoms of this syndrome may include:

• A burning or scalded sensation that most commonly affects your tongue, but may also affect your lips, gums, palate, throat or whole mouth
• A sensation of dry mouth
• Altered taste, such as a bitter or metallic taste
• Loss of taste and sensation of numbness

It is important to get a proper diagnosis to treat and manage the symptoms of this syndrome effectively. To reduce the severity of your symptoms you need to:

• avoid acidic or spicy foods
• reduce stress
• avoid any other known food triggers
• change your toothpaste if needed
• avoid all mouthwashes containing alcohol
• avoid alcohol if it triggers symptoms
• drinking cool liquids throughout the day
• stop smoking
• eating a balanced diet
• checking medications for potential triggers

Depending on the cause of your burning mouth syndrome, your doctor may suggest one or more of these treatments: anti-depressants, a pain reliever made from hot peppers, female hormone replacement, mouth rinses, products that replace your saliva, vitamin supplements.