What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

14 Oct 2021

“Your dental cleaning should be a part of your spring cleaning”

We are back with another quite insightful dental blog for our readers. In this blog, we are discussing about the dental condition known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Devshree Dental Clinic is among the best dentist services and treatment providers in Rewari. For any dental emergency or general consultation, you can reach out to us.

Define BMS (Burning Mouth Syndrome)

Burning Mouth Syndrome is also known as Glossodynia and it is a problem in which patient experiences scalding or hot sensation on the tongue, lips, and palate but it can also affect the throat, gums, and all over the mouth.

This painful sensation is experienced when nerves present in your mouth are sending uncommon messages to your brain (it could be related to taste, temperate or other senses). When the brain is not able to interpret these messages then it often leads to feeling or burning or pain.

Interestingly, the target parts that are feeling the burning sensation are actually neither hot to the touch and nor have any visible redness. Burning Mouth Sensation is a neuropathic pain and the root cause of this problem is damage to certain nerves.

Causes of Burning Mouth Sensation (BMS)

There is no exact reason for what triggers or causes Burning Mouth Sensation. But there are some possible causes that can lead to this problem:

• Change in hormones
• Increase in stress and anxiety or depression
• Immune system related problem
• Damage to nerves related to taste or pain
• Change in toothpaste or mouthwashes
• Ill-fitted dentures

Possible Medical Conditions That Can Cause BMS

• Dryness of mouth
• Acid reflux
• Candida/Thrush (fungal infection of the mouth)
• Nutritional deficiency (for instance, deficiency of iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12)
• Thyroid condition
• Diabetes

Who Is Susceptible To This Problem?

Though Burning Mouth Sensation can affect anyone, but it is more prone in people who are middle-aged or older.

What Are The Common Problems That One Can Face With BMS?

A person suffering from Burning Mouth Sensation can experience moderate to severe hot/burning sensation on their tongue, lips, gums, palate, or all over their mouth.

Many people with BMS have experienced that the sensation starts in the morning and by evening the condition is at its peak, while night time can be less stressful due to the sensation.

Some patients feel a constant burning sensation throughout the day. There have been cases where the patient experiences numbness (of tongue or mouth) throughout the day.

How Is BMS Diagnosed?

Consult your dentist and they will do a thorough check-up of your mouth and also look into your medical history for further investigation or reference. You might be asked to take blood tests to check for nutritional deficiency, infections, or any other medical condition. You could be asked to take allergy tests or blood tests for diabetes and thyroid.

What Are The Treatments For BMS?

Treatment related to BMS can depend on the cause of the condition. For instance, if the cause of Burning Mouth Sensation is dietary deficiency then you might be recommended relevant supplements. If the cause is dentures then your dentist will replace or adjust the dentures. In case of a fungal infection in your mouth, your dentist will prescribe the medication for it.

In certain cases, BMS can affect the mood and can be cause of anxiety or depression in the patient. For such patients, doctors will recommend a combination treatment of counseling and low-dose anti-depressants.

If BMS is triggered due to usage of certain medications (that caused mouth dryness); then your doctor will recommend you to change your medication.

Hypnotherapy, yoga, and meditation are some known therapies that help patients to tackle anxiety.

What Are The Ways To Ease The Symptoms Of BMS?

• Stay hydrated and sip water often
• Sucking on crushed ice
• Chewing sugar-free gum will help with the symptom as you will salivate when chewing on the gum and that will prevent mouth dryness.
• Strictly avoid consumption of alcohol or tobacco
• Do not consume food or other items that irritate your mouth (spicy food, acidic fruits or juices, etc.)

What Should I Do If I Experience BMS?

Visit your dentist to get a proper check-up and more insight into your case. Your dentist will check for dry mouth, denture related conditions or mouth allergies, etc. In case your dentist doesn’t find any specific dental condition that could lead to BMS then they will refer you to a specialist doctor for your condition.

How Long Can BMS Cause Problem?

Since there is no exact reason behind the start of this problem, thus it is no set course of treatment. That’s why; it is a chronic problem that affects you for months, years, and even for your whole life. However, if you do find a way to cope and limit the pain then different treatments and recommended therapies will improve your lifestyle and help you to have a normal life even with BMS.

Conclusion:

This was our short blog on Burning Mouth Sensation. Stay tuned for our next update. Speak to our dentist and reach out to Devshree Dental Clinic for any dental problem or dental consultation. Our dentist service in Rewari is one of the most affordable and latest treatments for your dental problems. Call Today For Booking Your Appointment.