Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is the name given to a pain, soreness, or burning feeling in the mouth that has no visible cause.
In this blog post, we discuss what could cause this condition, when to seek a diagnosis, and how to treat symptoms.
What is burning mouth syndrome?
BMS is a rare disorder characterised by persistent burning or tenderness in the mouth without an obvious physical cause.
Symptoms can occur suddenly and be continuous or intermittent (stopping and starting). Symptoms can last for months or years without treatment. Unpleasant sensations may spread from the tongue and/or lips to other parts of the mouth, such as the roof of the mouth or gums.
Symptoms
Burning mouth syndrome symptoms vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual. Some people compare the burning sensation to eating food that is too hot, while others describe it as a scalding feeling. Minor BMS symptoms include tingling or numbness.
You may also experience:
- Dryness in the mouth
- Loss or change of taste, such as a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth
- Increased thirst
It may be difficult to eat or drink during long periods of constant mouth pain. However, some people report feeling better after drinking or eating.
The symptoms normally do not change the physical appearance of your tongue or mouth.
Causes
BMS is not common. However, there are more cases of BMS in women than men and those over 50 years old. Women who experience this condition notice it more during or after menopause.
There are two types of BMS, primary and secondary, which are caused by different factors.
If BMS cannot be explained by an underlying condition, it is primary, or idiopathic, burning mouth syndrome.
Research into the cause of primary BMS is ongoing. One theory is that it could be caused by a nerve malfunction that transmits taste and pain sensations from the tongue to the brain.
Sometimes, BMS is caused by an underlying health condition. This is called secondary burning mouth syndrome.
There are several underlying conditions and factors which can cause secondary BMS:
- Absence of nutrients (such as iron, zinc and certain B vitamins)
- Dry mouth
- Candida infection (thrush) of the mouth
- Diabetes
- Diseases or conditions affecting taste and saliva production
- Hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism
- Menopause
- Psychological disorders (such as anxiety and depression)
- Severe allergic reaction
- Side effects of medicines (like ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure)
- Chronic reflux of stomach acid, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Treatment
There isn’t a single specific treatment for burning mouth syndrome, so it’s important to find the most effective way to manage symptoms. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms and possible triggers.
A way to relieve symptoms temporarily can be sucking on ice or chewing gum helps, which helps ease the discomfort.
If we identify an underlying condition as the cause, we will recommend treatment to manage the underlying condition that will also address your secondary BMS.
Current treatments for primary BMS often aim to ease the painful sensations, as there is no known cure. These include medications, changes in diet, and relaxation techniques.
Some of the treatment options for primary BMS include:
- Ensuring you drink plenty of water
- Practising good oral hygiene
- Changing or stopping medications we suspect might be causing BMS
- Supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies
- Remedies for dry mouth
- Pain relievers
- Treating hormonal problems
- Taking prescription medication (for example, to treat infection)
- Addressing anxiety and depression (with medication, counselling or self-help)
Some lifestyle changes can help reduce your symptoms. These include avoiding acidic foods and liquids, alcohol and products with alcohol, tobacco products, irritating foods, and products with cinnamon or mint.
Private gastroenterologist Dr Sarmed Sami talks about treatments in the video below.
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When to see a doctor
BMS is often debilitating because it can affect your daily life and interfere with sleep. We would need to investigate further in cases of severe or chronic BMS lasting for months or years.
As part of your examination, we will examine your mouth closely. We’ll then ask about your medical history and symptoms.
Some people frequently mistake BMS for acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
To pinpoint a possible cause or rule out other common conditions, you may have tests. These can include:
- Oral swab for thrush
- Blood tests for diabetes, thyroid issues, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Allergy tests
- Gastric reflux tests
- Imaging
We will then discuss our findings and provide medical advice on treatment options.
Contact us for an initial consultation with a burning mouth syndrome specialist at Digestive Health UK.
