Instant Relief For Burning Mouth Syndrome: 6 Helpful Ways

Last Updated on: 6th June 2024, 04:12 pm

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Q.F. Nayibe Cubillos Morales

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Dr. Gustavo Assatourians D.D.S

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What are the ways for instant relief for burning mouth syndrome? Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a condition that produces a burning sensation in the mouth, along with tingling and discomfort in the tongue or inside the cheeks. It can make it difficult to eat and speak.

BMS is also known as glossodynia or burning tongue syndrome. What is Burning Mouth Syndrome? Why does it occur? What are the symptoms? What treatments are available? Are there any alternatives to manage the situation?

These are the questions that guide the development of this note and are answered in the following paragraphs.

 

What is burning mouth syndrome?

BMS is a condition that causes a burning sensation in the mouth and tingling, which may be associated with dryness of the mouth or an altered taste.

The syndrome can affect the gums, the inside of the cheeks, the lips, the tongue, the palate, or extensive areas of the mouth. As a consequence of the syndrome’s discomfort, it can be difficult to sleep and eat.

It is a condition that can occur suddenly but may evolve and persist for months or even years.

 

Who can have BMS?

Burning Mouth Syndrome is more common in people over 60 years old and in postmenopausal women due to a reduction in estrogen levels, which is also a cause of reduced taste sensitivity.

It is estimated that glossodynia is five times more frequent in women than in men.

burning mouth syndrome

 

What causes burning mouth syndrome?

Various circumstances can trigger Burning Mouth Syndrome. Research into this condition indicates two types:

Primary (Idiopathic) Syndrome 

This is the type of Burning Tongue Syndrome that is not the result of an existing health condition. It is considered that this syndrome has caused problems with the sense of taste and damage to the sensory nerves of the central or peripheral nervous system.

Secondary Syndrome

This is a consequence of previous medical conditions and requires treatment. The most common causes are:

• Allergies to dental products, certain foods, or materials.

• Low levels of B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin), folic acid, iron, and zinc

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) that can be a consequence of radiotherapy treatments, consumption of some medications, or problems with the functioning of the salivary glands

• Hormonal changes due to diabetes or thyroid problems

• Consumption of medications that reduce blood pressure

• Depression

• States of anxiety, depression, or stress

• Excessive irritation of the mouth due to aggressive brushing of the tongue, use of abrasive toothpaste, intense use of mouthwashes, or consumption of acidic beverages

• Oral infection (candidiasis, oral lichen planus)

• Habits such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding

• Acid reflux

• Endocrine disorders/diabetes, underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)

• Wearing ill-fitting dentures

People with Sjörgren’s syndrome, diabetes, thyroid or liver problems are often more prone to burning mouth syndrome.

People with BMS do not experience discomfort at the start of the day, but over the day the burning sensation and pain develop. The next day, the cycle repeats itself.

Other health conditions that may increase the predisposition to glossodynia include fibromyalgia, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, and autoimmune disorders.

instant relief forburning mouth syndrome 10302023

 

Treatment for burning mouth syndrome

If Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is derived from oral habits such as clenching the jaw or bruxism, the dentist will guide to facilitate control of those behaviors.

Medications may be prescribed to manage pain and relieve the sensation of dryness in the mouth (dry mouth).

Burning Mouth Syndrome is a complex pain event. The treatment that is effective in one person may have an adverse response in another.

In secondary BMS, symptoms may disappear when the underlying medical condition, the disease that causes it, is treated. If the cause of the oral disorder is a medication, the doctor will replace it with another that does not have that type of effect.

 

How to achieve instant relief for burning mouth syndrome?

When you have Burning Mouth Syndrome, it is necessary to prevent further irritation of the mouth. To that end, here are some recommendations:

1. Hot and/or spicy foods

2. Consuming acidic or citrus fruits, as well as their juices

3. Alcohol consumption

4. Tobacco consumption

5. Avoiding carbonated beverages

6. Using an alcohol-based mouthwash

Stimulating saliva production and keeping the mouth moist helps reduce symptoms. Sucking on ice chips, drinking water frequently, and chewing sugar-free gum are some options to relieve pain.

If you want to learn more about burning mouth syndrome, prevent it, and which treatments may work, we invite you to consult the article on Burning Mouth Syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some treatment options for burning mouth syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome can be a frustrating condition, but there are treatments available to help manage the discomfort. Here are some options:

a. Oral Rinses and Lidocaine: Certain mouth rinses or topical lidocaine can provide temporary relief by numbing the mouth.
b. Capsaicin: This pain reliever, derived from chili peppers, might seem counterintuitive, but in low doses, it can help desensitize the mouth and reduce burning sensations.
c. Alpha-lipoic Acid: This antioxidant has shown promise in relieving nerve pain, potentially offering benefits for burning mouth syndrome.
d. Clonazepam: In some cases, medications used for seizures, like clonazepam, can be prescribed to manage nerve pain associated with burning mouth syndrome.

It’s important to note that everyone responds differently to these treatments. Consulting with a doctor or dentist is crucial to determine the most appropriate approach for your individual case.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can cause a variety of uncomfortable sensations, including a burning or scalding feeling in the mouth. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can help manage these symptoms, and staying hydrated is one of them:

Drinking Plenty of Fluids: Sipping water and other fluids throughout the day can be helpful for people with BMS. This helps to alleviate the feeling of dry mouth, which can worsen the burning sensation.

In addition to drinking water, other strategies like sucking on ice chips can also provide temporary relief.

Spicy food can leave your mouth feeling like it’s on fire. Here are some quick fixes to try and cool things down:

a. Go Cold: The quickest way to combat the burning sensation is with something cold. Suck on ice cubes or take a sip of very cold water.

b. Acidic Attack: Spicy heat comes from capsaicin molecules. Acidic drinks like lemonade, limeade, or orange juice can help neutralize capsaicin, offering some relief. (Even milk, which is slightly acidic, can be helpful!)

c. Carb Connection: Strangely enough, carbohydrates like bread or rice can bind to capsaicin molecules, helping to remove them from your tongue and ease the burning.

Burning mouth syndrome can be a real discomfort. Here are some strategies to find relief:

a. Cooling Comfort: Sipping cold beverages, sucking on ice chips, or chewing sugarless gum can provide a refreshing sensation that temporarily erases the burning feeling.

b. Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of anything that might further irritate your mouth, such as tobacco products, hot beverages, and spicy foods. These can exacerbate the burning sensation.

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References

1. Arnáiz-García, María Elena, Arnáiz-García, Ana María et al (September 17, 2017). Glossodynia or Burning Mouth Syndrome / https://mgyf.org/glosodinia-sindrome-boca-ardiente/.

2. Cleveland Clinic (June 26, 2022) / Burning Mouth Syndrome / https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14463-burning-mouth-syndrome

3. Colegio de dentistas de gipuzkoa (n. d) The ‘burning mouth’ syndrome, a frequent and difficult to treat clinical picture / https://www.coeg.eu/el-sindrome-de-la-boca-ardiente-un-cuadro-clinico-frecuente-y-de-dificil-tratamiento/

4. Hennessy, Bernard (May 2022) Burning mouth syndrome / https://www.msdmanuals.com/es-co/professional/trastornos-odontol%C3%B3gicos/trastornos-de-los-labios-y-la-lengua/s%C3%ADndrome-de-la-boca-ardiente

5. Lovera M, / Chimenos Klistner (August 2003) Burning mouth syndrome: update / https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0213-12852003000400005

6. Mayo Clinic (February 14, 2019) Burning mouth syndrome / https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350911

7. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (September 2022) Burning mouth syndrome / https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth

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