What is burning mouth syndrome?
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) or scalded mouth syndrome is a condition where a person feels a severe burning sensation on the tongue, palate, and lips.
It is a rare condition and the symptoms and causes vary largely from patient to patient.
What are its main signs and symptoms?
The main signs and symptoms of burning mouth syndrome are:
- A burning sensation on the tongue, which can be painful and feel like a scald injury.
- Sipping on particular beverages like hot tea, or acidic drinks can aggravate the condition.
- A person may also have a burning sensation on the lips or corner of the mouth.
- Eating is difficult since taste perception is altered.
- Rarely, a patient may also complain of numbness in the mouth.
What are its main causes?
The main causes of BMS include:
- Primary BMS is not linked to any specific condition or cause. Its cause is often idiopathic, or unknown.
- Secondary BMS is because of a particular agent, or an underlying disease.
- Mouth infections like candida, or ulcers in the mouth can cause burning sensation.
- Xerostomia or dry mouth occurs when saliva production is less. Dryness of the mouth can also lead to BMS.
- People who have diabetes or thyroid disorders often complain of burning mouth. The hormonal imbalance causes xerostomia, which leads to the burning sensation.
- Gastric conditions like acid reflux or GERD can also cause burning mouth syndrome.
- Dentures made of acrylic may have sharp edges which can cause ulcers and burns on the cheek lining or floor of the mouth.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
- Diagnosis of BMS is extremely easy based on the patient’s symptoms and physical examination. However, some tests can be carried out to determine the cause.
- Blood investigations for diabetes, thyroid diseases.
- Saliva examination for the quantity and quality of saliva.
BMS treatment includes:
- Primary burning mouth syndrome not linked to any underlying cause is treated by relieving the burning sensation. For this, it is essential to make certain dietary changes such as:
- Avoid eating spicy food, acidic food, and irritants. Smoking and alcohol can also worsen the symptoms, so, avoid them
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
- The treatment of secondary burning mouth syndrome involves identifying the cause.
- Acid reflux is controlled by dietary modifications and antacid tablets.
- Hormonal disorders are controlled by insulin, medicines, and exercises.
- Fungal medicines and antibiotics are effective in case of infections.
- Home care includes chewing on ice chips, drinking cold beverages or placing aloe vera extract over the affected area.