Burning Mouth Syndrome – Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Definition – What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome, often documented as BMS, is a painfully frustrating sensation within the mouth cavity that could be characteristic of the tongue, palate or even the whole mouth and lips. Victims exhibiting this condition often describe it as scalding pain in the tongue and oral mucosal membranes with others coining the terms tingling, discomfort and annoying pain, alluding to its variation from individual to another. BMS is largely similar to burning mouth symptoms caused by other systemic and local factors, but should not be confused with these clinically identifiable conditions.

Illustration of burning mouth syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome is peculiar with no specific treatment scheme and that differentiates it from possible burning sensations that one could randomly experience within the oral cavity caused by an array of possible causes, from probable illnesses, foods and exposure to certain bio-chemical compounds. Diagnosis of BMS is carried out on an elimination basis; ruling out all other known conditions to declare its presence and this is a baseline autonomic description of the condition.

Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome

In an exhibition of signs and symptoms, it is worth knowing that BMS has been identified to be varied with a 3-prong classification which affects the nature of symptoms even though basic pain is a constant feature. Type 1 symptoms are virtually absent at wake time, but develop and escalate as the day continues. Type 2 exhibits symptoms throughout the day with a fairly constant intensity right from the waking hours towards the end of the day. Type 3 exhibits quite an irregular pattern of symptoms which are randomized throughout the day. Type 1 and 2 are most prevalent with type 3 uncommon.

The defining symptom is moderate to severe burning sensation in the oral cavity likened to toothache pain intensity-rating 5-8 out of 10. Sleep may be altered and characterized by insomnia tendencies; pain is predominantly bilateral on the tongue and lesser in the mucosal membranes and the palate; bitterness or acidic changes in taste; dry-sore mouth; characteristic anxiety, reduced appetite, headaches, thirsts and depression tendencies.

Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome

No bright light has been shed on BMS and no specific cause can be pinpointed out. A number of theories have been developed amidst little statistical data to explain BMS and its cause(s). A number of causative factors have been mentioned and believed to play a critical role or two. One line of thought has been developed that correlates BMS to either estrogen or progesterone decline due to the fact that most BMS victims are postmenopausal women. However, little credible sources affirm this claim and it cannot be entirely declared to be the cause. A second theory pins autoimmunity to be a likely cause of BMS. Laboratory findings uncovered that up to 50% of persons with BMS possess high levels of rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody of which this finding halts at that fact.

Generally outlined the causes of BMS are regarded as follows:

• Damage of taste and pain control nerves
• Hormonal imbalance
• Probable mineral deficiencies in the diet
• Intra-oral fungal infection
• Gut acid reflux
• Allergy to denture materials

Unclear factors like depression, anxiety, bio-chemical material contact and hypersensitivity are probable causes which are largely unknown whether they cause the condition or are associated with the resulting effects of the condition.

Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Conclusive evidence of treatment against BMS has not been obtained, neither through research nor tests and actual treatment is still unclear. Since the root cause of BMS is technically unknown and due to its varying nature from individual to another, modes of treatment are individually tailored and treatment is majorly oriented towards handling the effects of the condition which may have unprecedented consequences. Conventionally, treatment has been an administration of antidepressants, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants. The suggestion is that use of alpha lipolic acid and benzodiazepine called clonazepam shows immense benefit and alleviation of significant traces of BMS of which scientific and statistical data support is scanty.

Potential treatment, which tackle BMS effects, but are indeed beneficial to patients are standardized to the following

• Identifying dentures that create discomfort or appear to be discomforting and appropriately replacing them at the last
• Diagnosing and treating relevant illnesses that exhibit burning mouth syndrome, most commonly Sjorgen’s syndrome, diabetes or thyroid disorders
• Supplementing nutritional deficiencies
• Diagnosing allergies to certain bio-chemical compounds and substituting mouth-irritating drugs
• Prescribing of medications that relieve oral dryness, treat mouth fungal infections, relieve pain and relax anxiety.

Prevention Strategies for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Prevention is always better than cure in most cases and BMS is no exception. With its detrimental characteristics that have overseen liveliness decline and personal disorder complications, prevention of BMS, both secondary and primary is an important step. These mentioned strategies below, are meant to reduce to the minimum possible, the probability of developing oral pains and even BMS and reduce the intensity of pain resulting from prior infection. These practices are not wholesomely guaranteed but aid much in combating forms of BMS and therefore ought to be adhered to, with the current cloudy information about the disorder.

• Frequent sipping, flossing gurgling of fresh water
• Sucking on ice cubes and chips to calm pains and uneasiness
• Desist from irritating ingestible substances like steaming and spicy foods most especially pepper and ginger, mouthwashes containing alcohol and its forms infused in the chemical structure, and edibles high in acids like citrus fruits. Juices should be highly avoided as well, they are excessively acidic.
• Be accustomed to chewing sugarless gum
• Use basic medium most preferably sodium bicarbonate combined with water to brush your tooth to avoid acid-causing irritation

Drugs such as alcohol and tobacco and its products are a must-avoid

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