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Burning mouth syndrome, also called glossodynia or stomatodynia, can sound mysterious and concerning. While only two percent of the general population suffers from this, certain stages in life, conditions, and other factors may be putting you at risk.
How can you prevent yourself from this diagnosis, and how can you treat the discomfort if it does occur? Here, we discuss the burning questions of BMS.
What is burning mouth syndrome?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research defines burning mouth syndrome as feeling of burning, tingling, or scalding in the mouth. Other symptoms of BMS can be dry mouth and changed taste.
Clearly, this difficult and distressing condition that can affect many areas of life. This uncomfortable sensation can last for days, weeks, or even years in more serious cases.
While BMS may have a specific set of sensations, there is a distinction that doctors must make between primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome.
Primary BMS is the diagnosis when no clinical or lab irregularities are found. In this case, issues in taste or the central or peripheral nervous system may be to blame.
Secondary burning mouth syndrome occurs when another condition is the underlying cause. Dry mouth, acid reflux, hormonal imbalances, psychological factors like stress and depression, and certain medications can cause this burning or scalding pain.
Oral habits, such as tongue thrusting, tongue biting, and bruxism can also be culprits. Nutritional deficiencies are also known to cause secondary BMS.
The prevalence of burning mouth syndrome is fairly low. In one study, no men under 40 were affected, and less than 1% of those under 50 experienced the syndrome. The incidence raised to 3.7% by seventy years old.
Women are much more likely to experience BMS, and there was a .6% incidence in women under 40. However, this number grew to a much higher statistic of 12% in postmenopausal women. In fact, burning mouth syndrome is five times more likely in women than men by age 70.
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Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome
No two people experience the sensation of burning mouth precisely the same way. These are some of the most common symptoms:
- Burning/scalding sensation in the mouth
- Metallic taste
- Dry mouth
- Heightened thirst
- Chronic pain
- Loss or changes in sense of taste
Though the symptoms of BMS can vary from person to person, one in particular stands out. A burning sensation or scalding feeling through in the mouth is very common, and can be accompanied by a metallic taste. This may occur in one part of or the whole mouth.
Burning mouth symptoms can happen in different patterns, like worsening as the day progresses, coming and going, or ongoing symptoms from when you wake up. Though geographic tongue, a condition marked by raised “map-like” appearance of the tongue, may accompany the syndrome, it generally does not cause changes to the mouth.
Unfortunately, these symptoms can last for days, months, or even years.
Diagnosing BMS can be done in a number of ways. Blood tests or taking a swab of the oral biome are two common methods. Your health care provider may also order an allergy test, salivary or gastric tests, or even imaging services.
The type of testing you need will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and conversation with your doctor.
Causes & Risk Factors
There are several conditions that can cause the sensations also experienced during burning mouth syndrome. These can include: Sjogren’s syndrome, cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, some low blood pressure medications, or a deficiency of the B vitamins or iron.
Also on the list are diabetes, acid reflux, thyroid issues, an oral fungal infection, ill-fitting dentures, or allergic reactions.
All of these are possible causes of burning sensations in the mouth. Even if scalding or burning feelings in the mouth occur, BMS may not be to blame.
In order to make a diagnosis and differentiate between primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome, physicians must rule out other conditions first.
Primary BMS has several identifiable risk factors. Women are more likely to experience the condition, especially postmenopausal women and those over the age of fifty. The same goes for patients who have recently experienced dry mouth, traumatic life events, high stress, or anxiety and depression that has gone undiagnosed. The sensation from acidic foods can also occasionally be mistaken for BMS.
Having a certain illness or medical condition can also contribute to the risk of burning mouth syndrome. Things to watch for in your medical history include fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, and some autoimmune disorders. Many of these come with nervous system issues, which can play into the syndrome as discussed below.
While we have yet to find a single, precise cause of BMS, there are a few factors to consider. The nervous system, both peripheral and central, may be the most decisive factor.
Nerve disturbance or damage in the mouth may spark this syndrome. Some of these phantom sensations may also result from damage to the taste system.
Potential Complications
Unfortunately, burning mouth syndrome doesn’t just affect your oral health. Due to taste and pain issues, patients with BMS may experience difficulty eating, and therefore, weight loss. Since the syndrome can occur anytime, they may also experience poor sleep quality.
Even if they weren’t a contributing factor to primary BMS, the accompanying discomfort can take a mental and emotional toll on patients. Some may develop depression, anxiety, and irritability as a result of the syndrome.
While the syndrome and complications sound dire, there is hope for burning mouth syndrome. Preventative measures are available, and there are many natural treatments that can provide sweet relief.
How to Prevent Burning Mouth
Burning mouth prevention is not only possible, but even simple in some cases.
The immediate step to take to avoid this painful phenomenon is to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking can dry out the mouth and cause a host of other dental issues, not to mention oral cancer.
When I’ve developed burning mouth for periods of time, I find that giving up alcohol for about six weeks makes a major difference. I also recommend avoiding mouthwashes that contain it (always, not just with burning mouth) and forgoing all toothpaste for six weeks. Even natural toothpaste can contain ingredients that are irritating to some people.
Instead, just use a toothbrush and water. And don’t forget to floss!
As soon as you’ve “given up” potential offenders like those above, it’s time to start mouth taping. Burning mouth can easily be associated with or exacerbated by a dry mouth. When you mouth tape, you can prevent the worst cause of dry mouth: breathing through your mouth at night.
If you find that your mouth is unable to make enough saliva and feels dry even with good hydration and mouth taping, you can use Biotene gel for extra moisture.
Staying away from spicy foods and carbonated beverages may also help to prevent burning mouth.
There is also a host of oral medicine that may put you at higher risk for BMS. If you’re concerned about developing burning mouth, let your doctor know so they can tailor any medical advice and prescriptions. Here are some medications that can cause burning mouth:
- High blood pressure medications that are ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, such as:
- Antiretrovirals, or drugs used to manage HIV/AIDS:
- Nevirapine
- Efavirenz
If you are prescribed any of these, a simple medication adjustment may be able to help calm your burning mouth symptoms.
Traditional & Home Treatment
In both primary and secondary BMS, it’s important to treat the underlying causes to provide relief. In the interim, your healthcare team may prescribe:
- Painkillers specially formulated to block nerve pain
- Saliva replacement products
- Certain oral rinses and mouthwashes
- Tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil, Amitriptyline, and Nortriptyline
- Sedatives like Klonopin (brand name Clonazepam)
- Anticonvulsants like Neurontin or Gabapentin
While these prescriptions can help in some cases, they can also make matters worse. Many of them come with side effects that can be moderate to severe. Some even cause dry mouth, or xerostomia, which can exacerbate BMS symptoms.
Thankfully, there are many home treatments that can also bring relief. The American Academy of Oral Medicine states that up to two thirds of BMS patients will experience at least partial relief within three months of treatment.
Foods and Supplements
Vitamin B-12 can significantly reduce symptoms as well. This vitamin can be taken as a supplement or found in foods like organic yogurt, beef and chicken liver, or fish like wild-caught salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Iron-rich foods can also help. In one study, 53% of patients with BMS had an iron deficiency, and foods like many of the B12 foods mentioned above, dark chocolate, lentils, pistachios, raisins, spinach, and spirulina.
Alpha lipoic acid supplementation made an improvement in 64% of patients. Foods with a high level of alpha lipoic acid include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, peas, and beets.
Rinses
A capsaicin rinse can improve symptoms in 80% of patients. Capsaicin is a chemical found in chili peppers, and has been shown to treat peripheral nerve pain.
Baking soda rinse. This cost-effective solution is easy to whip up when burning mouth hits. Just grab a mug and combine one third of a cup of water with a teaspoon and ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
Lifestyle Changes
Reducing stress. Stress and any resulting depression or anxiety can be risk factors for burning mouth syndrome. Reducing this stress can reduce the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. Implementing calming practices like yoga, journaling, or even cognitive behavioral therapy can regulate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Stay hydrated. Sucking (not chewing!) on ice chips, taking frequent sips of water, and chewing on sugarless gum can all keep the mouth hydrated and saliva production at helpful levels.
Burning Mouth: A Gut Problem?
I often say that the mouth is an indicator of overall health, and can show us issues happening in other parts of the body. While burning mouth syndrome certainly feels like an oral issue, it may start somewhere else entirely.
The 100 trillion bacteria in your gut can affect many systems in the body, including mental health, nutrient deficiencies, and poor sleep—problems associated with BMS.
A study from 2016 found that a sore tongue, dry mouth, and burning could be indicators of gut imbalances, like stomach autoimmunity issues (APCA).
This autoimmune problem causes the immune system to attack and destroy the cells lining your stomach, which also produce stomach acid. This acid helps us to absorb vitamins and minerals, digest protein, and prevent parasites. It also stops the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and fungus.
This burning mouth syndrome, while difficult, may have a silver lining. Not only do fungal overgrowths and nutritional issues sometimes accompany BMS, but its symptoms may help us catch gut issues. For the full story on the stomach and burning mouth, take a look at Dr. Michael Ruscio’s comprehensive piece.
Living with Burning Mouth
For patients living with burning mouth, relief is possible. On top of the natural treatments I recommend above, you can ease other complications.
I recommend CBD oil for natural pain relief, as well as to ease sleep and anxiety.
Don’t hesitate to combine treatment methods, like CBD oil with your new nutrient-rich diet or journaling with constant sipping from a water bottle.
FAQs
Is there a cure for burning mouth syndrome?
How long does burning mouth last?
Is burning mouth syndrome contagious?
What other oral conditions can contribute to BMS?
Key Takeaways: Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is a painful condition that affects tens of thousands of Americans.
Primary BMS is a nervous and taste issue, while secondary BMS can result from a variety of factors and coexisting conditions.
Women, especially after menopause, and individuals under high stress or taking certain medications are at a higher risk for burning mouth syndrome.
Thankfully, there are many safe natural treatments of rinses, lifestyle changes, and dietary changes that bring relief to burning mouth. Though BMS is unpleasant to deal with, the pain and discomfort can be managed and there is hope for those suffering.
References
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