Did you know that sometimes people feel a burning sensation in the mouth with no known cause? This condition is termed burning mouth syndrome (BMS), which may affect the gums, tongue, lips, roof, or back of the mouth, besides changing the sense of taste, in addition to dryness. It has been revealed that BMS affects 1.73% of the population, but more so in females above 50 years than in men. Although BMS is not a common problem, this blog intends to analyse BMS, who gets affected, and the importance of learning about burning mouth syndrome at the earliest.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Brief Definition
The burning mouth syndrome is a chronic ailment where a person feels a tingling or a burning pain in the mouth for a long time, usually without any visible signs during a medical or dental exam. The pain from the burning lip syndrome might feel like a burn from hot food, even when nothing obvious is wrong. Physicians usually diagnose BMS only after ruling out other conditions of burning sensations in the mouth.
What Leads to the Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Experts do not completely understand about the exact cause of burning mouth disease, but some factors can lead to the condition:
- Neuropathic changes or nerve damage affecting the pain and taste nerves.
- Secondary causes like acid reflux, vitamin deficiencies, allergies or dry mouth.
- Psychological aspects, such as anxiety or stress, in some cases.
- Hormonal changes like those with menopause.
- Oral habits, such as clenching of the jaw or grinding teeth.
Taking a Look at the Common Symptoms of BMS
Individuals with BMS might experience certain burning mouth syndrome symptoms, and here are some of the primary ones:
- A scalding or a burning feeling in the mouth.
- Pain that might affect the inside surfaces of the mouth, lips or tongue.
- A dry mouth feeling or changes in the taste.
- Pain that might change throughout the entire day and might become worse in the evening.
How Is BMS Diagnosed?
The hot sensation in mouth is usually diagnosed by physicians in the following manner:
- The physician checks the oral habits, dry mouth and other health-related issues.
- A dental or medical examination to rule out other causes.
- Blood tests to look for nutritional deficiencies, infections, and disorders associated with the burning mouth syndrome causes, such as thyroid issues or diabetes.
- Oral rinse/swab to check for thrush (if it’s necessary).
- Allergy testing for certain food items, denture materials or other substances that might be causing the symptoms (this test is rare).
Maintenance and Treatment Options Available
To get instant relief from burning mouth syndrome, the treatment should be customised to a person’s individual needs. You can manage the symptoms by doing the following:
- Treat the underlying causes, like dry mouth or nutritional deficiencies.
- Avoid consuming irritating drinks and food items, such as acidic juices, alcohol and spicy food.
- Make sure to stay well-hydrated and avoid the use of tobacco.
- Your physician or dentist might recommend saliva substitutes or medications.
The BMS symptoms might be frustrating because the pain can persist without any visible signs. It can affect general comfort, sleep, speaking and eating. Make sure to speak to the physician or dentists about how the symptoms affect day-to-day life, and they can help find the right burning mouth syndrome home treatment to manage the condition. Periodic monitoring and checkups can help greatly.
Read More: Water Brash: The Sudden Sour Taste You Should Not Ignore
Conclusion
BMS is a condition that causes persistent burning pain in the mouth without any obvious causes. It might affect individuals differently, and the way it begins and continues can vary. Having a good understanding of its causes, signs and working with healthcare experts can help you opt for the best burning mouth syndrome home remedies for the ailment. If you or someone you know is experiencing a burning sensation in the mouth, seek immediate dental or medical advice for proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Burning Mouth Syndrome
How do you treat burning mouth syndrome?
Treatment includes managing underlying causes, using saliva substitutes, avoiding irritants, stress control, and doctor-prescribed medicines to reduce nerve pain symptoms.
Does burning mouth syndrome go away?
Sometimes symptoms improve or resolve, especially when triggers are treated, but many people need long-term management and follow-up care support.
What can be mistaken for burning mouth syndrome?
Dry mouth, oral thrush, acid reflux, allergies, vitamin deficiencies, nerve disorders, or poorly fitting dentures can mimic burning mouth syndrome.
Does a saltwater rinse help burning mouth syndrome?
Saltwater rinses may soothe irritation temporarily, but they do not treat the cause and should not replace any doctor-recommended burning mouth syndrome treatment or medical advice.
What vitamin deficiency causes burning mouth syndrome?
Deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, folate, or zinc are commonly linked to burning mouth syndrome symptoms in some affected people.
