Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is quite a common condition producing a burning sensation in the mouth, and might affect the tongue as well. BMS has a wide range of known causes, but the actual reason it originates from is not yet clear.

BMS might also lead to a tingling sensation, and it can occur simultaneously along with dry or an altered taste. Symptoms can, however, be improved within few weeks or months with proper treatment.

Visit our experienced oral health specialists at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic for effective management of your Burning mouth syndrome.

What is burning mouth syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) refers to that condition when your tongue, lips, inside or roof of your mouth experience a burning sensation. It might also occur in some other part of your mouth or throat. BMS can break out rapidly at any moment without even revealing its original cause. You may feel like your tongue has been burnt by something extremely hot, like tea or coffee. Medically, this condition is known as glossodynia.

If you are suffering from BMS, the burning sensation might start getting worse with the advancing days and progressing condition. When you first wake up in the morning your mouth might feel fine, but the burning might begin later on and keep increasing as the day goes on. The pain might begin to fade as you go to sleep. But it starts all over again the next day as you wake up.

Besides the burning sensation, you might also get a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth. Some people might also experience a dry mouth sensation despite having enough saliva. This burning feeling can turn so bad and distressing that people might even start feeling anxious and depressed with the disease.

It is really frustrating to go through the constant pain and not being able to find out the root cause. Burning mouth syndrome cannot be completely cured with treatment, but it can help alleviate your symptoms. Moreover, a thorough understanding of the possible triggers can significantly reduce the frequent chances of flare-ups.

Types of Burning Mouth Syndrome

This condition can mainly be classified into two types:

Primary BMS: When you feel a burning sensation in your mouth but unable to figure out the exact cause.
Secondary BMS: When burning inside your mouth occurs due to some other condition. Fixing that condition can help you get rid of that burning sensation in your mouth.

Who are more prone to get burning mouth syndrome?

BMS is one of the most common signs occurring in postmenopausal women above 60 years. This is because lower levels of oestrogen leads to decreased sensitivity of your taste buds. Moreover, your genetic ability to taste something plays a key role. For instance, you might be a:

Non-taster who does strongly focus on tasting things.
Medium taster who tastes things in a moderate way just like most people do.
Super taster who pays strong attention in tasting things.

Most individuals having burning mouth syndrome are supertasters, and this disease reduces their tasting ability than they used to be previously. Research proves that many people having BMS are in the habit of grinding their teeth. As a result, the burning sensation starts getting worse.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Dry mouth
Altered taste
Numbness in the mouth which comes and goes
Pain in the mouth with a scalding, tingling, or burning sensation

You cannot find visible symptoms with BMS like discolouration or bumps.

What causes burning mouth syndrome?

Most researchers believe nerve damage in the affected area of your tongue to be the main cause of primary BMS. It makes you feel a burning sensation in your mouth and also changes how you perceive the taste of different things. According to research studies, nerve damage usually emerge from factors like intaking certain medications, stress, underlying medical conditions, or nutritional deficiencies.

On the other hand, secondary BMS can be caused by conditions like allergic reactions to certain dental products or foods, acid reflux, hormonal changes, dry mouth, oral infections like thrush, nerve damage, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or stress.

What medical conditions can cause burning mouth syndrome?

Some specific medical conditions are also responsible for your burning mouth syndrome, such as:

Thrush, also known as candida, a fungal infection in your mouth
Dry mouth or xerostomia
Diabetes
Nutritional deficiencies occurring when your body fails to make or store sufficient folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron
Acid reflux, a condition where acid returns from your stomach back to your mouth
Thyroid problems

In some cases, burning mouth might occur from more than one reason.

How is burning mouth syndrome related to menopause?

If the burning sensation within your mouth is related to loss of oestrogen during your menopause, BMS might break out potentially at any stage of the menopause. However, no such scientific or medical evidence has confirmed this yet.

How long does BMS last?

As the exact reason of BMS is not yet known, the right course of treatment is not easy to plan. This is why burning mouth syndrome is regarded as a long term condition which can affect you for up to several months, years, or even throughout the rest of your life.

If you are able to find out ways of coping with the pain and reducing it, or are undergoing treatment therapies as recommended by the doctor, perhaps then you can get rid of the syndrome and lead a normal life like earlier.

It is essential to maintain a record of how different kinds of treatment affect your symptoms. This is how your doctor or dental team can get a better idea of which treatment method is the best for your oral condition as individual conditions vary.

Risk Factors

If you belong to any of the following categories, you are more prone to getting burning mouth syndrome:

Going through post-menopause
Having some health conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes
Going through chronic depression or anxiety
Having geographic tongue
Suffering from nutritional deficiencies like lack of zinc, iron, or vitamin B6 and B12
Intake medications for high blood pressure or depression
Are female

What are the complications of BMS?

Like many other long-term conditions, burning mouth syndrome can cause you to experience constant daily pain, which can affect your mood and lead to depression. If the underlying cause of your BMS cannot be identified, your doctor may prescribe a low-dose antidepressant or refer you for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

How is burning mouth syndrome diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms of BMS, you should see a dentist first. Beginning with a visual examination, they can further refer you to a specialist if required. Your healthcare provider will require running tests which can help rule out other conditions. Some tests to diagnose BMS include:

Blood test
Allergy test
Oral swab test
Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or dental X-rays
Tissue biopsy
Saliva test

Treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this condition. However, there are several strategies that may help alleviate your discomfort or prevent it from worsening:

Quit Smoking

Stopping smoking can improve your breathing, reduce your risk of cancer, and potentially ease symptoms of burning mouth syndrome.

Avoid Certain Foods

Limiting your intake of tea, coffee, acidic or spicy foods, and carbonated drinks may help reduce the burning sensation in your mouth.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Focusing too much on the burning sensation can make the pain feel more intense. CBT can help break this cycle by challenging negative thought patterns, reducing anxiety, and improving your overall response to the discomfort.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

While there is insufficient evidence to confirm whether HRT is effective for burning mouth syndrome, it may provide some relief if you are already using it for other health reasons. More research is needed to determine its role in managing the condition.

Consult a Doctor or Dentist

Speaking with a healthcare professional about your symptoms can lead to effective treatments, such as medications for pain relief or managing dry mouth. Options may include mouth rinses with numbing agents, pain relievers, saliva substitutes, or specific antidepressant and anti-seizure medications.

Address the Underlying Cause

If a specific cause for your burning mouth syndrome is identified, treating it may help alleviate symptoms. For example, if teeth grinding is contributing to the issue, a dentist can provide a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth and reduce discomfort.

How do we perform BMS treatment at our clinic?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) can be a challenging condition, but at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we offer effective treatment options tailored to relieve discomfort. Our expert team uses a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat BMS, starting with a thorough examination to identify underlying causes such as oral health issues, nutritional deficiencies, or even factors related to stress.

Treatment may include specialised oral care, nutritional counselling, and lifestyle advice to manage symptoms. We also utilise advanced techniques like saliva stimulating treatments and recommend appropriate medications for pain management.

At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we prioritise your comfort and wellbeing, offering personalised care to address the unique aspects of your condition. Our experienced professionals are here to guide you through every step of the treatment process, ensuring you receive the best possible care for a pain-free and healthier mouth.

Get Instant Relief from Burning Mouth Syndrome

You might find some relief from your burning mouth pain by trying on the following tips:

Chew sugar-free gum which can help stimulate saliva production
Drink cold water
Sip cold beverages throughout the day
Suck on ice chips

While these steps would not cure burning mouth, they can help ease the pain during flare-ups.

Can you prevent Burning Mouth Syndrome?

While burning mouth syndrome (BMS) cannot be prevented, you can lower the risk of flare-ups by avoiding things that may irritate your mouth, such as:

Beverages containing alcohol
Very hot foods or drinks
Foods or drinks with high acidity like citrus juices
Spicy foods or drinks
Mouthwash containing alcohol
Smoking or vaping

Moreover, ensure you are getting enough vitamin B12, folate, and iron to help support your overall health.

When to see a doctor?

If the burning in your mouth reaches to the following condition, book an appointment fast with a healthcare provider:

Becomes worse
Occurs for no specific, apparent reason
Lasts more than a few days
Comes with extra symptoms like blisters or swelling

Why choose our Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic?

Our Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic can definitely be your ideal choice for enjoying your perfect and comfortable smile without the hassle of any burning issues:

Personalised Care: Our dentists understand your unique needs, provide tailored care, and address all your concerns with great attention to detail.
Proven Success: We have transformed the smiles of thousands of happy clients across the UK and beyond, with a strong track record of success.
Custom Treatment Plans: We design simple, customised treatment plans that cater to your specific dental needs, ensuring your smile looks exactly how you have always wanted it.
Comfortable Procedures: We ensure pain-free treatment procedures, offering sedation or local anaesthesia for your comfort.
State-of-the-Art Facility: Our clinic is equipped with modern infrastructure, advanced techniques, and premium materials, ensuring highly effective and efficient treatments.
Affordable Financing: We offer flexible payment options with 0% interest, making our treatments more accessible.
Exceptional Patient Care: Our friendly team is committed to providing top quality patient care and excellent customer service.
Transparent Pricing: There are no hidden fees or extra charges – transparency is a priority for us.
Convenient Booking: Our easy-to-use online booking system allows you to schedule appointments effortlessly.
Flexible Scheduling: We offer same day appointments and flexible hours to fit your busy lifestyle.

A Final Thought

When you feel like your mouth is on fire, it might be hard to concentrate on something else. Burning m0uth syndrome (BMS) can be really frustrating, and it might require considerable time to find a proper and effective remedy that actually works. No treatment can help you get rid of your BMS permanently, but they can help alleviate your pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. If you feel you are going through burning mouth syndrome, it is better to consult a dentist for expert advice.

Visit our Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London to seek professional help from our skilled and experienced dentists. Get in touch with us via mail at [email protected] or directly call us on 020 71830755.