Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome is a medical term for chronic or recurrent burning in the mouth without an obvious cause. The pain from the burning mouth syndrome can affect one's lips, gums, tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth. Other names for this condition include scalded mouth syndrome, burning lips syndrome, stomatodynia and glossogynia.

Some of the possible causes of BMS include:

• Acid reflux
• Anxiety and depression
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormonal changes
• Damage to the nerves that control taste and pain
• Dry mouth (often a symptom of a medical condition)
• Poorly fitting dentures or allergies to denture materials
• Medical conditions associated with BMS include diabetes, hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders

The symptoms of BMS include:

• A burning sensation that may affect one's tongue, lips, gums, palate, throat or whole mouth
• Loss of taste
• Sore mouth
• Taste changes such as metallic or bitter taste
• Dry mouth with increased thirst

Here are a few self-help measures that may improve your symptoms:

• Avoid spicy foods
• Avoid acidic foods and liquids
• Don't use tobacco products
• Avoid alcohol
• Drink more fluids to ease the feeling of dry mouth
• Avoid products with mint or cinnamon

If you experience any burning or soreness on your tongue, lips, or other areas of your mouth, consult with your physician or dentist at the earliest!