Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in your mouth, lips, or tongue. The feeling is often described as a burning, scalding, or tingling sensation. BMS is more common in women than men. It is found more in women during or after menopause. The cause of BMS can be hard to pin down. Some people may have symptoms for months or years and never know why.
Some people with BMS report symptoms appearing suddenly. For others, they may develop gradually over time. Typical symptoms of BMS include:
BMS may occur every day, or it may come and go. Some people wake up with pain and it lasts all day. Others wake up with little pain but it gets worse as the day progresses. Regardless of the pattern, the symptoms may last for months to years.
The exact cause for burning mouth syndrome is unknown. Cases have been linked to:
Many times, more than one cause is present. Sometimes doctors can’t find the cause.
You are at higher risk of developing BMS if you are:
There is no simple way to test for BMS. Your doctor will examine your mouth and ask about your medical history and symptoms. This will help better pinpoint a possible cause. They may perform tests to rule out other possible issues. This could include an oral swab to check for thrush. It may also include blood tests to check for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or mineral deficiencies.
Since there isn’t a known cause for BMS, you cannot prevent or avoid it.
There is no specific cure for burning mouth syndrome. The best thing you can do is address your symptoms. Treatment is based on your symptoms, their severity, and the underlying cause. Possible treatment options include:
If your doctor thinks a certain medicine is causing BMS, they might suggest switching to a new one.
If your doctor can’t find a cause, they may recommend trying oral thrush medicines, B vitamin supplements, or antidepressants. These have been found to be effective in treating BMS.
Most cases of BMS improve on their own. Additional tips for easing your symptoms include: