Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome is a relatively complex condition whose main symptom is a burning sensation. This burning-like sensation can occur after drinking a very hot drink, for instance. This condition usually presents with acute development, although it may be chronic in some instances. It affects the middle-aged and elderly, with females being the most affected.

What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

A medical condition called burning mouth syndrome is characterized by a continuous burning sensation in the mouth that has no apparent explanation. The tongue, lips, gums, palate, throat, and other general oral regions may all be affected by this pain. People who have BMS syndrome usually say that the burning gets worse during the day. You can wake up with no burning sensation in your mouth, but later on in the day, it might start to hurt. The ache can go away after you're asleep. The cycle starts again the next day.

Different Types of Burning Mouth Syndrome

BMS is classified into two main types:

• Primary (Idiopathic) BMS: This kind occurs when there isn't a medical condition that is causing the burning mouth.
• Secondary BMS: An underlying medical condition like acid reflux is the cause of this. Burning mouth disease can be cured in many cases.

Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome

The burning sensation in the mouth is the main symptom of BMS. Additional signs and symptoms might be:

• Dry mouth
• Increased thirst
• Burning, scorching, or tingling pain in mouth.
• A bitter or metallic taste
• Loss of taste
• Mouth numbness that comes and goes.
• These symptoms can be constant or come and go, and they may worsen throughout the day.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Causes

Burning mouth syndrome can have a primary or secondary cause.

• Primary burning mouth syndrome: It's referred to as primary or idiopathic burning mouth syndrome when the underlying cause cannot be identified. According to certain studies, taste and pain-related nerve issues may be connected to primary burning mouth syndrome.
• Secondary burning mouth syndrome: Sometimes an underlying medical condition causes the burning mouth syndrome. In such cases, it is called secondary burning mouth syndrome.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid.
• Allergies or reactions to foods: Allergies or reactions to certain foods, flavors, other food additives, colors or scents, dental materials, or mouthwash products.
• Hormonal changes: Especially in postmenopausal women.
• Nerve damage: Dysfunction in the nerves controlling taste and pain.
• Oral conditions: Dry mouth or oral infections.
• Endocrine disorders: Endocrine diseases, including diabetes or hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.
• Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression.
• There are also certain medications that cause burning mouth syndrome.

Diagnosis

BMS is difficult to diagnose. Eliminating diseases that might produce symptoms identical to BMS, including an oral yeast infection, is a step in the diagnosis process. The process may include:

• Oral cultures or biopsies: Examination of the mouth for infection, dryness, or any other condition.
• Blood tests: To screen for conditions like nutritional deficiency, thyroid disorders, or even diabetes.
• Salivary tests: Assessing salivary flow and composition.
• Allergy tests: Identifying potential allergic reactions.
• Gastric reflux test: This would determine if your stomach acid is regurgitated upward into your mouth from the stomach.
• Imaging test: Your doctor may offer an MRI, CT scan, or another imaging test to surely rule out health issues.
• Mental health check: You might have to answer certain questions to find if you are depressed, anxiety-ridden, or suffering from other such disorders.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment

• Cure for Burning mouth syndrome can be challenging and sometimes involves multiple interventions. If your doctor identifies that you have some underlying health condition triggering your BMS, treatment of this health condition is necessary to prevent the burning sensation.
• Other significant coping strategies include:
• Medications: To reduce discomfort and manage underlying causes.
• Vitamin supplements: To correct deficiencies.
• Mouth rinses and saliva replacements: To freshen the mouth and sooth dryness.
• Behavioral therapy: This method is applied to learn skills in coping with depression and distress.
• Lifestyle changes: Avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, and irritating foods.

Risk Factors

The following are some factors that may increase the risk of BMS:

• Gender: All females are at an increased risk; however, it is more common in postmenopausal women.
• Age: This condition prevails more in patients above the age of 50 years.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies of specific vitamins and minerals
• Chronic conditions: Such as diabetes or thyroid issues.
• Medications:  Several medications may trigger BMS.

Complications

While BMS itself is not life-threatening, it can lead to several complications, including:

• Persistent pain affecting daily activities and quality of life.
• Avoiding certain foods due to pain.
• Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.

When to See a Doctor

If you get a burning feeling in your mouth that does not subside after a few hours you should seek medical attention particularly if you’re also experiencing dry mouth, metallic taste or increased thirst. Better symptom control is achievable if the disease is diagnosed early and treated promptly.

Prevention of Burning Mouth Syndrome

At the moment, there is no proven method to avoid the symptom known as burning mouth. However, the following are methods that would help you reduce your pain:

• Avoid smoke
• Take less hot or acidic food
• Brush your teeth
• Take less carbonated drinks
• Reduce stress

Conclusion

It may be easier to treat and get rid of this condition if an individual understands what Burning Mouth Syndrome is all about. If you suspect that you have BMS, you should consult a specialist to get a detailed diagnosis of the condition and a personalized plan of action. 

FAQs

Q1. Is burning mouth syndrome a serious condition?

Ans. Burning Mouth Syndrome is not life-threatening, but it can cause significant discomfort, affecting quality of life. It may lead to chronic pain, eating difficulties, and psychological issues, necessitating proper diagnosis and management for instant relief from burning mouth syndrome and improved well-being.

Q2. What vitamin deficiency causes burning mouth syndrome?

Ans. Minerals including iron and zinc, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and folic acid, can all contribute to the development of Burning Mouth Syndrome. These deficiencies may impact nerve function and result in significant pain.

Q3. Is burning mouth syndrome contagious?

Ans. Burning mouth condition isn't communicable. It is a non-infectious disorder that is frequently caused by underlying health problems, nerve injury, or other non-transmissible causes. It cannot pass from person to person.

Q4. How long does it take for burning mouth syndrome to go away?

Ans. Burning Mouth Syndrome can persist for months or even years. The duration varies widely, depending on the underlying cause and effectiveness of the burning mouth sensation treatment. Some individuals may experience relief within weeks, while others may endure longer periods of discomfort.

Q5. What vitamins are good for burning mouth syndrome?

Ans. Iron, folic acid, and B vitamins—particularly B12—are among the vitamins that are good for burning mouth syndrome. By addressing any deficiencies that may worsen the disease, these vitamins may help alleviate the burning feeling.

Dr. Unmesh Takalkar

MS, M.E.D.S FUICC, FAIS, FIAGES, FACG, FASGE, MSSAT
United CIIGMA Hospitals (A unit of CARE Hospitals), Chh. Sambhajinagar

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 406 810 6585

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