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Burning Mouth Syndrome

You may have a burning sensation in your mouth if you have burning mouth syndrome (BMS). BMS can develop anywhere in your mouth and is usually unexpected. It frequently affects the tongue, lips, and the roof of your mouth. This condition may recur frequently or develop into a chronic daily issue.

Knowing the probable causes of BMS and the available treatments might help you manage the illness and find relief.

Symptoms

Burning, scorching, or tingling discomfort in the mouth is the primary symptom of burning mouth syndrome. Sometimes, the discomfort can be accompanied by a fleeting numbness. Dry mouth and altered oral taste are other symptoms.

BMS is a distressing condition, with discomfort in the lips, the roof of the mouth, or throughout the mouth. However, the tongue is typically the area that is most affected.

BMS discomfort may continue for months or even years. Some people experience daily, unrelenting anguish, while some experience increasing pain throughout the day. Many people find that eating or drinking helps to lessen their pain.

Causes

According to researchers, the part of the tongue that regulates taste and pain is affected by nerve injury, which is the suspected cause of primary BMS. Gustatory (taste) alterations and mouth burning have a connection.

The bitter taste buds found at the tip of the tongue have been lost in many persons with a burning mouth. Researchers contend that taste reduces pain, but unanticipated pain fibre firing occurs when a person loses the ability to sense bitter flavours.

Diagnosis

No single test can diagnose a burning mouth condition. Your doctor will instead attempt to rule out other issues before identifying burning mouth syndrome.

Your healthcare provider will ask about symptoms. They might also discuss your routines and habits while reviewing your medical history and current medications.

In addition, your doctor will probably perform a physical examination and/or test to identify the symptoms., including:

  • Allergy tests
  • Salivary measurements
  • Oral biopsies or cultures
  • Gastric reflux tests
  • Imaging

Treatment

Secondary Burning Mouth Syndrome

Treating the underlying condition is the key to stopping the burning sensation if your doctor determines burning mouth syndrome. A few underlying conditions that may contribute to BMS are:

Dry mouth: Ask your healthcare provider to recommend saliva production boosters if you have a dry mouth. You can take supplements or vitamin injections if you have a vitamin deficiency.

Acid reflux: BMS symptoms may be lessened by medications that neutralise stomach acid.

Mouth infection: A painkiller or medication to treat an underlying oral infection may also be recommended by your doctor.

Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome

BMS typically goes away on its own when there is no underlying health issue. In the meanwhile, consider the following actions to reduce symptoms:

  • Avoid foods and beverages that make the burning sensation worse or cause it. Avoid consuming too many hot drinks or spicy foods. After consuming alcohol or smoking, keep an eye on your symptoms. Both behaviours can make BMS worse. Remember that alcohol-containing drugs can make symptoms worsen as well.
  • Throughout the day, suck on little ice cubes to decrease the burning.
  • Replace the toothpaste. If the burning gets worse after brushing your teeth, use baking soda as toothpaste or mouthwash, or switch to toothpaste made for sensitive mouths. Swish a tablespoon of baking soda mixed in warm water in your mouth for a few seconds to neutralise acid and ease the burning.
  • Sip on cold beverages to ease mouth pain throughout the day.
  • Maintain your activity level and engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, exercise, and meditation.

See your health care provider or dentist if you have burning, pain or tenderness of your tongue, lips, gums or other areas of your mouth.

 
 
 

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