Instant Relief From Burning Mouth Syndrome With Our Doctors
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes a sensation of burning in the mouth. Possible symptoms include throat pain, changes in taste, etc.
The term "burning mouth syndrome" refers to recurring burning sensations in the mouth that have no apparent reason. It is possible that the tongue, gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, or entire mouth will be affected. People suffering from BMS frequently say that the burning worsens throughout the day, and the pain may decrease as they fall asleep.
Burning mouth syndrome manifests itself immediately but can also develop gradually over time. Unfortunately, the exact reason is frequently unknown. Along with the burning sensation, a bitter or metallic taste is typical. Many people have a dry mouth while having normal saliva flow. The burning can sometimes be so intense that the persistent discomfort creates depression and anxiety.
Types
There are two categories of burning mouth syndrome:
- Primary BMS
- Secondary BMS
Symptoms
The symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome might be moderate or severe, depending on the individual. Some individuals equate the experience to the burning sensation of overeating hot food, while others describe it as scorching. Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome include:
- A burning feeling primarily affects the tongue but may also impact the lips, gums, palate, neck, or mouth.
- A dry mouth with excessive thirst
- Mouth taste changes from sweet to bitter or metallic.
- Having difficulty swallowing food
- Throat discomfort
- Numbness or stinging in the mouth
Burning mouth syndrome can appear in a variety of ways. It may:
- Begin as soon as one wakes up and last all-day
- Occur daily with a bit of discomfort on waking up, but may worsen as the day progresses
- Come & Go
When to See the Doctor?
A pain, burning, or soreness of the tongue, lips, gums or other parts of the mouth may indicate that you should see a doctor and a dentist, as both may need to collaborate to identify a cause and develop a practical and helpful treatment plan.
Causes
The specific cause of the condition is still unclear. A burning feeling or symptom in the mouth can be caused by or be a sign of several oral and systemic disorders, and they must be checked before a diagnosis can be made.
Some factors contributing to the condition are as follows:
Nutritional deficiencies
Iron, folate, and vitamin B complex deficits have been linked to a burning feeling in the mouth. As a result, some treatment approaches have included B vitamin and mineral supplements such as zinc and iron.
Dry Mouth (xerostomia)
some medications like antipsychotics, Sjogren's syndrome, and other factors can induce dry mouth and the associated burning feeling. Drinking liquids throughout the day and addressing the source of dry mouth may help to decrease or eliminate the unpleasant sensation.
Oral Candidiasis (Oral Thrush)
A burning feeling in the mouth is a sign of this oral fungal infection, especially when acidic or spicy meals are consumed or cottage cheese-like lesions are scraped off the interior of the mouth. Your dentist's treatment approach for oral thrush can help alleviate the symptoms.
Risk Factors
BMS risk factors include
Gender
Females are up to seven times as likely as males to develop BMS.
Age
Because older adults are more likely to wear dentures and have other underlying health conditions, they are at a higher risk of BMS.
Being postmenopausal
Women who have had menopause are more vulnerable. According to the researchers, BMS affects postmenopausal ladies.
Other risk factors are:
- Food allergies
- Wearing dentures
- Taking specific medications
- Having severe medical conditions
- Being anxious or stressed
Complications
Burning mouth syndrome is a disease that can hurt your quality of life. It may take several doctor appointments to figure out what's wrong. The pain might endure for months or even years. Some people are troubled daily. The pain may make you depressed, agitated, or anxious, making it difficult to do everyday tasks and sleep. Any persistent discomfort might generate worry, which is known to disrupt sleep.
Prevention
There may be no way to avoid BMS. However, you may reduce the severity of the symptoms by avoiding anything that irritates your mouth, including
- Drinking alcohol.
- Eating acidic foods and beverages (like citrus juices).
- Foods and drinks that are hot and spicy.
- Alcohol-containing mouthwash
- Products containing tobacco.
Also, ensure that your diet has adequate amounts of vitamin B12, folate, and iron.
Diagnosis
No single test can identify whether you have burning mouth syndrome. Before diagnosing burning mouth syndrome, the doctor will check out other possible causes. Your doctor will also most likely undertake a basic medical checkup to search for symptoms of other diseases. You may be subjected to some of the following tests:
Blood tests
Blood tests can evaluate the complete blood count, glucose level, thyroid function, dietary variables, and immunological function, all of which can reveal information regarding the cause of your oral discomfort.
Oral cultures or biopsies
Oral cultures or biopsiesTaking and analyzing saliva samples can reveal if you have a fungal, bacterial, or viral illness.
Allergy testing
The doctor may recommend allergy testing to see whether patients are allergic to particular foods, additives, or even compounds used in dental procedures.
Salivary measurements
The mouth may feel dry if you have burning mouth syndrome. Salivary testing can determine if you have a decreased salivary flow.
Gastric reflux tests
Gastric reflux testing can identify whether or not someone has GERD.
Imaging
Medication adjustment
Take medications that may cause mouth irritation. If possible, the doctor may adjust the dose, switch to a different drug, or temporarily discontinue the prescription to see if the pain subsides. Stopping certain medications might be risky, so don't try them yourself.
Treatment
The burning mouth condition is not specifically curable. Treating the symptoms is the best course of action. The symptoms, seriousness, and underlying cause will affect how you are treated. Possible course of action includes:
- Products to produce saliva and relieve dry mouth
- Vitamin supplements to provide nutrition
- Ointments to relieve pain
- Depression or anxiety medicines to relieve pain and improve your nervous system
- Your doctor may advise switching to a different medication if they believe the one you're taking is the source of your BMS.
Your doctor can advise trying oral thrush medications, B vitamin supplements, or antidepressants if they cannot identify the underlying reason. These are effective in treating BMS.
Care at Medicover Hospitals
We have the best team of general physicians and specialists at Medicover hospitals who treat Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) and its severe symptoms. Our highly trained physicians use the most up-to-date diagnostic techniques and procedures to run tests and diagnose and treat Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Our experts work closely with the patients to monitor their health and treatment progress to achieve a faster and more sustained recovery.
