Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a benign condition that can affect anyone of any age, with a highly variable prevalence (2-5%, or even up to 24% of the general population). In different studies, it has been claimed identified that it is more associated with older and older adult postmenopausal women.
Burning mouth syndrome is a painful disorder that manifests as a continuous (chronic) or recurrent burning in the mouth, without an apparent cause. It occurs on the tip of the tongue or the roof of the mouth in most cases, but it can also affect the gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, and other areas.
The burning sensation is very intense and may develop over time. You may also experience tingling in your mouth on intermittent or continuous days, for a few hours a day to several months. Sometimes, the symptoms are not clinically evident, making it an underdiagnosed syndrome without an established treatment.
The burning sensation may have different patterns:
Since there is still no specific causality, some associations have been made that allow a classification:
Primary burning mouth syndrome: this is not necessarily associated with a health problem the patient presents, but experts indicate that it is possibly associated with a problem with the nerves that control pain and taste.
Secondary burning mouth syndrome: in this case, it may be associated with an underlying disease of the patient. In general, when treating this clinical condition, the symptoms should disappear or improve; Some of the associated diseases are:
Sometimes bridges or frames that do not adapt well can make symptoms worse.
As risk factors, it has been identified that:
For a diagnosis, your doctor may explore your history to find any health problems you’ve had in recent years in order to identify associations and triggers. It is not easy to diagnose and may require a physical examination by a doctor or therefore a specialist. Specialists who diagnose burning mouth syndrome include dentists who specialize in oral medicine or surgery. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists), gastroenterologists, dermatologists, or neurologists may also be able to diagnose this disorder.
Some of the tests they may include are:
Being a multi-causal health condition, it has not been possible to determine with certainty an effective and timely treatment. Therefore, the clinical condition must be individualized for each patient and the probable cause of the burning mouth syndrome must be determined. Often, the results can be uncertain or unsatisfactory after which the doctor must explore possible alternatives.
Before indicating the pharmacological treatment, changes in lifestyle, habits, and diet should be recommended to help reduce the symptoms or the time they may appear. Some topical treatments that help:
Other pharmacological treatments that could help:
NOTE: Remember that the aforementioned treatments must be prescribed and approved by a medical or dental specialist, who has determined that the cause is associated with a problem in the central nervous system (CNS) or topical treatment could help. Using these products without medical approval could put your life at risk.
Some changes in habits can help. You can incorporate new ones into your day-to-day life.
In conclusion, we recommend that, in case of any signs or symptoms, you go to a doctor or tell your dentist. Track symptoms, and record the periods and how you feel when they occur. Before starting any treatment, consider implementing lifestyle modifications and other practices.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Island Family Dental as well as our Facebook page. We look forward to your visit and we will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Saint Paula, Venture, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you toward the best treatment to take care of your health and give you back your best smile.
Bibliography
1. Vaidya R. Burning mouth syndrome at menopause: Elusive etiology. J Midlife Health. 2012Jan;3(1):3-4. doi: 10.4103/0976-7800.98809. PMID: 22923972; PMCID: PMC3425145. (Accessed on Oct 21, 2022). Available in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425145/2
2. De Luca Monasterios F., Rodríguez de Rivera Campillo ME. Treatment of oral burning and dry mouth: new trends. Av Odontostomatol [Internet]. 2014 Jun [cited 2022 Oct 25]; 30(3): 139-143. Available in: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0213-12852014000300007&lng=es.
3. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Burning Mouth Syndrome. NIH (Internet). Revised Sep, 2022, (Accessed Oct 21, 2022). Available in: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth
4. AAOM Web Writing Group. Burning Mouth Syndrome. American Academy of Oral Medicine (Internet). Published Jan 22, 2015, (accessed Oct 21, 2022). Available in: https://maaom.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81:burning-mouth-syndrome&catid=22:patient-condition-information&Itemid=120
5. Garcia M, Garcia A, et. to col. Glossodynia or burning mouth syndrome. General and family medicine (internet). 2017; 6(4): 172-175. http://dx.doi.org/10.24038/mgyf.2017.039 (accessed Oct 21, 2022). Available in: https://mgyf.org/glossodynia-burning-mouth-syndrome/
6. Mayo Clinic Staff. Burning Mouth Syndrome. Mayo Clinic (Internet). Published on Feb 14, 2019, (accessed on Oct 21, 2022). Available in: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-203509117
7. WEBMD Editorial Contributors. Burning Mouth Syndrome. WebMD (Internet). Published on Jul 27, 2020, (accessed on Oct 21, 2022). Available in: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/burning-mouth-syndrome-facts
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