It’s possible to experience a condition that causes you to feel a burning or scalding sensation in your mouth. The medical term for this is Burning Mouth Syndrome. It can be confusing and uncomfortable and seem to arise out of nowhere. If you’ve dealt with this, you may have felt it was in your head. It’s not. It’s a common condition that can be caused by a variety of circumstances.
Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome
There are two types of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Primary BMS is thought to be caused by a dysfunction in the nervous system and shows no underlying cause. Secondary BMS is caused by a medical condition. These include an allergic reaction to food or certain medications, oral thrush, nutritional deficiencies, teeth grinding, diabetes, or psychological afflictions like anxiety or depression. You may also get BMS due to a viral infection or illness. Burning mouth can affect the tongue and lips, and may create a metallic taste to food. Women are more prone to experience it.
Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome
Although uncomfortable, BMS is not harmful. Prescription mouthwash can help with pain associated with BMS, as can dietary and lifestyle changes. Avoid acidic and spicy foods or anything that may seem like a trigger. You may need to see an allergist to help rule out a food allergy so the problem doesn’t worsen. If you use tobacco products, stop. If you grind teeth at night, consider getting a night guard.
If you’ve noticed any new discomfort or pain in the mouth, we want you to call us right away. Although Burning Mouth Syndrome is uncomfortable, we may be able to help. Contact us or your doctor if you suspect you have BMS so that we can help determine if there are any underlying conditions present.
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