Burning mouth syndrome is a painful condition that affects the roof of your mouth, lips, and tongue. Most of the population doesn’t know about the condition because it’s rare, impacting between 90 to 120 people in 100,000.1 So, what is burning mouth syndrome, and what kind of treatments are available? Let our general dentist in Webster offer some guidance.
What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes a burning feeling in your mouth for no apparent reason. It usually starts out of nowhere and makes your mouth feel as though you’ve burned it with a hot drink.
Symptoms include2:
- Bitter or metallic taste
- Altered taste
- Scalding or burning feeling
- Numbness in the mouth
- Dry mouth
Some people feel normal when they wake up but experience worsening pain as the day progresses.
Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome
There are two types of BMS: primary and secondary. Primary BMS means that there is no underlying medical problem causing the condition. Instead, scientists believe it occurs from damage to the nerves controlling taste and pain.
In contrast, secondary BMS occurs when an underlying medical issue causes the condition. A diverse range of medical conditions can cause BMS, including the following:
- Bad oral habits, like grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
- Hormonal changes that occur from a thyroid problem or diabetes
- Allergies, especially to foods or dental products
- Low iron or vitamin B levels
- Yeast infections
In addition, medications, including some antidepressants and blood pressure medications, cause dry mouth, which is another cause of burning mouth syndrome.
Treating Burning Mouth Syndrome with a General Dentist in Webster
The first step you should take if you are experiencing any oral pain is to turn to your dentist for help. They will ask about your medical history and examine your mouth to determine whether the BMS is primary or secondary.
Treatment for Secondary BMS
If it’s secondary, the treatment will involve managing the underlying problem. For teeth-grinding issues, for example, the answer may be to use a mouthguard at night that doesn’t allow you to put as much pressure on your teeth.
Treatment for Primary BMS
If BMS is a primary condition, treatment becomes more complicated. There’s no known cure for primary BMS, but there are options. For instance, you might use salivary replacement products and specific oral rinses or lidocaine to relieve the discomfort.
Lifestyle Adjustments
You can make lifestyle adjustments to help reduce the symptoms of BMS. One of these is to drink lots of fluids, especially water, to help you deal with the sensation of having a dry mouth. You’ll also want to avoid beverages like coffee, carbonated drinks, and orange juice. These are all acidic drinks that might make the symptoms worse.
In addition, you should reduce or eliminate the amount of alcohol you drink since it can irritate the lining of your mouth. For the same reason, avoid eating spicy foods, consuming anything with mint or cinnamon, and using tobacco products.
Changing Your Dental Care Products
It might help to switch your dental care products as well. Try flavor-free toothpaste options and choose those for sensitive teeth. To help you cope with the symptoms, practicing relaxation techniques is essential. Try breathing exercises or take up something like yoga. It also helps to get a good amount of sleep each night.
Support Groups
If you struggle with pain, support groups are also available. Speaking to others with chronic conditions can help you cope with your symptoms. And the moment you notice any changes in how your mouth feels, turn to a dental expert.
Turn to a Trusted General Dentist in Webster
For a general dentist in Webster who you can trust, turn to Empire Dental Care. We are dedicated to providing gentle care so everyone, including those with dental anxieties, can get the dental treatment they need. If you notice any new or different sensations in your mouth, including the loss or alteration of taste, contact us.
Contact us today at 585-671-1650 to schedule a consultation at Empire Dental Care.
Sources:
[1] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2778437
[2] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth
