Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a neurosensory disorder resulting in constant burning pain of oral soft tissue (especially tongue) without clinical or laboratory findings.  This syndrome can be frustrating and painful.  90% of sufferers are women.  There are numerous potential reasons for this condition, and they are difficult to determine for specific patients.  Potential causes that may relate to your condition are:

  • nutritional deficiencies
  • food allergies
  • candidiasis (thrush)
  • diabetes
  • menopause
  • Scalded Mouth Syndrome (drug reaction to angiotensin coverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor antihypertensive medications)
  • Burning Lips Syndrome (dysfunctional minor salivary glands)
  • medications you are taking
  • radiation therapy for cancer
  • chemotherapy for cancer
  • regurgitation of acid into the mouth.

Your dental practitioner will analyze your medical condition to determine potential causes for your burning mouth syndrome.  A few overall preventive suggestions are: eliminate mouthwashes, especially those containing alcohol; reduce or eliminate smoking and reduce or eliminate beverages containing acid.  Some chewing gums cause burning mouth.  Change your toothpaste to one NOT containing sodium laurel sulfate (the foaming agent).

Other forms of treatment:

  • Lubrication (Biotene products, Oral Balance Gel, MouthKote, Lansinoh)
  • Candidiasis (thrush) treatment
  • Nutritional treatment (B12, Folate, Iron and Zinc)
  • Diabetic control
  • Eliminate triclosan/tarter control products
  • If on ACE inhibitor, switch hypertensive medication
  • Clonazepan
  • Amitriptyline
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Capsaicin

Until the cause of your burning mouth is determined and a cure started, placing ice in your mouth allows a simple and temporarily successful relief.  Your dentist will advise you concerning a long-term relief of the condition.