5 Min Read
Have you ever felt a burning, tingling, or numb feeling in your mouth, but when you go to the dentist or doctor, everything looks normal? You’re not imagining it. You could have a condition known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS).
It may sound unusual, but BMS is a real and sometimes very frustrating condition. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what it is, what causes it, and how it can be managed.
Synopsis
What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning Mouth Syndrome is a condition where a person has a burning or irritating sensation in their mouth—most often on the tongue, lips, gums, or the roof of the mouth—but has no visible problems or injury.
What are the symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Symptoms typically include a burning or hot feeling, tingling or prickling, dryness, itching and numbness. Some individuals also report changes in taste, a dry mouth feeling even with normal saliva, and mood-related conditions including anxiety or depression (potentially as a byproduct of the pain, and possibly related to the cause of the pain).
Burning Mouth Syndrome affects about 0.1% to 3.9% of people, and is most common among women aged 50 to 70, especially after menopause.
What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Doctors aren’t completely sure. It is considered “idiopathic,” which means the cause is unknown. However, possible triggers may include nerve problems (both in the mouth and the brain), hormonal changes, vitamin or iron deficiencies, chronic stress or anxiety and food allergies or sensitivities.
Types of Burning Mouth Syndrome
BMS doesn't feel the same for everyone. Here are the three main types:
-
Type 1: Pain starts mild in the morning and gets worse as the day goes on. It may be linked to vitamin or hormone issues.
-
Type 2: Burning lasts all day, every day—even at night. This type often appears alongside anxiety or mood disorders.
-
Type 3: Pain comes and goes, with some days being completely pain-free. This type may be triggered by certain foods or allergies.
How Is Burning Mouth Syndrome Diagnosed?
To be diagnosed with BMS, the burning must be persistent and happen almost daily, last more than 2 hours a day, continue for at least 3 months and have no clear medical or dental cause.
There is no one test for BMS. It is usually diagnosed by:
-
Ruling out other causes (like infections, allergies, or other mouth diseases)
-
Blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies or hormone imbalances
-
Careful examination by oral medicine specialists
Since there are no visible signs in the mouth, getting the right diagnosis often takes time and a bit of patience.
How Is Burning Mouth Syndrome Treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, but many people do find relief over time. Doctors may recommend:
-
Topical clonazepam: A dissolvable tablet that calms overactive nerves in the mouth.
-
Alpha-lipoic acid: An antioxidant that might reduce nerve-related pain.
-
Antidepressants: These can help both with pain and mood-related symptoms.
-
Capsaicin (from chilli peppers): Sometimes used topically or taken in small amounts by mouth to numb pain.
-
Nerve pain medications: These include gabapentin or pregabalin, which target nerve signals.
Treatment may also involve working with a psychologist or counsellor if stress, anxiety, or depression are playing a role.
What is the Long-Term Outlook for Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Living with BMS can be frustrating, but there's hope. Studies have shown that many people improve. About 50-66% of patients feel better within weeks to months after starting treatment. For those who’ve had symptoms for years, the pain usually stabilises at a manageable level. In some cases, the symptoms don’t go away or may even get worse over time. In rare cases, some people manage to make a complete recovery, though this is usually uncommon.
Conclusion
Burning Mouth Syndrome can feel overwhelming, especially when no one else can see what you're going through. But you're not alone, and relief is possible. With the right support, lifestyle changes, and treatments, many people learn to manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives.
If you think you might have BMS, don’t wait—talk to an Oral medicine specialist who understands this condition. The sooner you start exploring your options, the better your chances are of finding a treatment that helps.
Learn more about our expert care at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road.
FAQ's
Although the exact cause of this condition remains unknown, BMS can develop due to a wide range of factors including stress, nerve problems, oral infections, hormonal fluctuations and nutritional deficiencies.
Most women in the postmenopausal age group (typically between 50 and 70 years) are more susceptible to developing BMS, as a drop in estrogen levels can significantly reduce taste bud sensitivity.
A majority of patients experience relief over time. However, treatment methods for BMS may vary among individuals and typically includes administering antidepressants, medications for nerve pain and natural pain relief agents such as capsaicin.
Drinking cold water, sipping cold beverages, and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production may help reduce flare-ups, although they don’t entirely treat the symptoms.
Although BMS cannot be prevented, flare-up risks can be kept in minimized by avoiding food and beverages that are extremely hot, spicy and acidic as well as habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Share this article on:
.webp "Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment You Should Know")
