14463 Burning Mouth Syndrome

Overview

Burning mouth syndrome is a condition where you feel a burning, scalded, or tingling feeling in your mouth, often on the tongue, lips, or roof of the mouth. The mouth may look completely normal, but the discomfort is real and can last for a long time.

Burning mouth syndrome is not very common. It affects about 1 to 5 out of every 100 people, and it becomes more likely as you get older.

It mostly affects adults over 50, and it is much more common in women, especially after menopause. However, it can happen to men and women of any age, though it is rare in children.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A burning or scalded feeling on the tongue, lips, gums, the inside of the cheeks, or the roof of the mouth
• A dry mouth with a bitter or metallic taste
• The burning sensation may be constant, or it may come and go. It can get worse during the day or when you are stressed.

Causes

Main causes

• In many cases, the cause is unknown. This is called primary burning mouth syndrome.
• Some cases are linked to another health problem, such as dry mouth, acid reflux, a mouth infection like thrush, or a vitamin or mineral deficiency (such as iron, zinc, or B vitamins).
• Nerve problems can also cause a burning feeling, even when the mouth tissues look healthy. This is related to how the brain processes pain signals.

Risk factors

• Being a woman, especially after menopause
• Being over the age of 50
• Having a health condition like diabetes, thyroid problems, or acid reflux
• Taking certain medicines or multiple medicines (ask your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medicines)
• Having anxiety, depression, or high stress levels

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek same-day care if the burning pain is severe, if you have trouble swallowing or talking, or if you also have a high fever or a visible mouth sore that is getting worse.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment with your doctor if the burning sensation lasts for more than a few days, or if it keeps affecting your eating, sleeping, or mood.
• Also see your doctor if you notice a bitter or metallic taste that does not go away.

Diagnosis

To diagnose burning mouth syndrome, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, look at your mouth, and review your medical history and all medicines you take. Since the mouth often looks normal, diagnosis usually involves ruling out other conditions first.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for low iron, low B vitamins, blood sugar problems, or thyroid issues
• Mouth swabs or cultures to check for infections like thrush
• Sometimes allergy testing or a small tissue sample (biopsy) if a specific problem is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a dentist, an ear-nose-throat (ENT) doctor, or a neurologist. It may take a few visits and several tests to find the cause, and that is normal. Be patient and keep sharing your symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment depends on whether an underlying cause is found. If a cause is found, treating it often improves the burning. If no cause is found, the focus is on relieving symptoms and helping you cope with the discomfort.

Self-care at home

• Sip plain water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.
• Suck on ice chips to soothe the burning feeling.
• Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, and hot peppers.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or gentle stretching, to reduce stress.

Medical treatments

Doctors may suggest treatments that help nerve-related pain, dry mouth, or other contributing factors. These treatments are chosen based on your health history and the likely cause. Always talk with your doctor about the benefits, risks, and side effects of any treatment approach.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a usual treatment for burning mouth syndrome. If a specific structural problem is found that could be corrected with surgery, your doctor will explain that option, but this is rare.

Living with this condition

Living with burning mouth can be challenging, but you can make daily life easier by keeping a symptom diary. Write down what you eat, what you drink, and how stressed you feel. This can help you spot triggers and give your doctor useful information.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay hydrated and chew sugar-free gum, if your doctor approves, to help produce saliva.
• Use soft, alcohol-free oral care products for brushing and rinsing.
• Find ways to manage stress, such as walking, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid overly hot, spicy, or acidic foods that bother you. Gentle exercise and good sleep habits can help your overall wellbeing and may reduce symptom flare-ups.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Burning mouth syndrome can lead to anxiety, frustration, or depression, especially when symptoms last a long time. It is important to talk about your feelings with your doctor. Taking care of your mental health is a key part of managing this condition.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent burning mouth syndrome, especially when the cause is unknown. However, you can reduce your risk by eating a healthy diet, treating mouth infections early, keeping up with regular dental check-ups, and managing any existing health conditions.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for burning mouth syndrome.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for burning mouth syndrome. The best approach is to see your doctor if you have any mouth discomfort that lasts more than a few days.

Complications

If left untreated

• It can lead to poor eating and weight loss due to the discomfort of eating.
• It may cause trouble sleeping, anxiety, or depression.
• It can affect your relationships and social life because talking or eating with others may become uncomfortable.

Long-term outlook

With the right support, most people can find ways to manage burning mouth syndrome and improve their quality of life. For some, symptoms improve on their own over time, although it may take months or years. You are not alone, and help is available.

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