Burning Mouth Syndrome

“Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a painful condition
often described as a burning, scalding, or tingling feeling
in the mouth that may occur every day for…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Burning Mouth Syndrome Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Burning Lips Syndrome
  • Burning Mouth
  • Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)
  • Burning Tongue
  • Glossodynia (Tongue Pain)
  • Oral Dysesthesia
  • Scalded Mouth Syndrome
  • Stomatodynia (Mouth Pain)

Definition

What is burning mouth syndrome?

DotS the definition of burning mouth syndrome may vary. The (United States) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s (NIDCR) definition is:

“Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a painful condition often described as a burning, scalding, or tingling feeling in the mouth that may occur every day for months or longer. Dry mouth or an altered taste in the mouth may accompany the pain”.2

Symptoms

What are symptoms of BMS?

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: Symptoms the NIDCR explain:

“The main symptom of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is pain in the mouth that feels like burning, scalding, or tingling. Or, the pain may happen with a feeling of numbness, which comes and goes. Other symptoms include dry mouth or altered taste in the mouth.

BMS is a painful condition. Usually, the tongue is affected but the pain may also be in the lips, the roof of the mouth, or throughout the mouth.

BMS pain can last for months or years. Some people feel constant pain every day. For others, pain increases throughout the day. For many people, the pain is reduced when eating or drinking”.3

Symptoms Pattern

Can BMS symptoms have a pattern?

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: Overview – What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic note:

Burning Mouth Syndrome“If you have BMS, the burning feeling might get worse as the day goes on. Your mouth might feel fine when you first wake up, but then start to burn later. When you go to sleep, the pain might fade. But then, when you wake up, it starts all over again.

Along with the burning feeling, your mouth might taste bitter or metallic. Some people have the sensation of dry mouth even though they have enough saliva. The burning can get so bad that it causes people to feel depressed or anxious”.4

Cause

What causes BMS?

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Burning mouth syndrome usually comes on suddenly, but it can develop slowly over time. Often the specific cause can’t be found. Although that makes treatment more challenging, working closely with your health care team can help you reduce symptoms”.5

Highest Risk Factors

What factors put people at the highest risk for BMS?

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: Why Doctors Sometimes Fight It’s Fire With Fire, dated 10 July 2023, the Mayo Clinic explain:

“Factors that put people at the highest risk for burning mouth include being female, perimenopausal or postmenopausal, over 50 and smoking. Secondary factors that can raise risk include recent illness; medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases and neuropathy; dental work; food allergies; some medicines; and stress, anxiety, depression and traumatic life events”.6

Menopause

Is there an association between BMS and menopause?

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: Who Does It Affect? the (United Kingdom) Oral Health Foundation note:

“Anyone can have BMS, but it is more common in middle-aged or older people going through menopause (‘the change’)”.7

In Burning Mouth: Overview – Who Is Most At Risk for Burning Mouth Syndrome? the Cleveland Clinic note:

“Burning mouth is most common in postmenopausal people over 60. That’s because lower estrogen levels cause decreased taste bud sensitivity”.8

Diagnosis

How is BMS diagnosed?

The NIDCR explain:

“BMS is hard to diagnose. One reason is that people with BMS often don’t have a mouth problem that can be seen during an exam.

Talk to your dentist first. About one-third of people with BMS have an oral habit such as tooth grinding or jaw clenching that can lead to BMS. Dentists are familiar with oral habits and can help you manage them”.9

Medical Treatment

How is BMS treated?

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome the Mayo Clinic explain:

“There’s no known cure for primary burning mouth syndrome. And there’s no one sure way to treat it. Solid research on the most effective methods is lacking. Treatment depends on what symptoms you have and is aimed at controlling them. You may need to try several treatments before finding one or a combination that helps reduce your mouth discomfort. And it may take time for treatments to help manage symptoms”.10

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: How Long Could I Have BMS for? the Oral Health Foundation note:

Burning Mouth Syndrome“It is important to keep a record of how your symptoms are affected by the different types of treatment. Your dental team or doctor will then have a better idea of what treatment is best for you – after all, everybody is different”.11

Lifestyle Changes and Other Self-Help Measures

What are some lifestyle changes and other self-help measures for BMS?

In Burning Mouth Syndrome: Why Doctors Sometimes Fight It’s Fire With Fire, the Mayo Clinic explain:

“In addition to medical treatment, burning mouth symptoms may be eased by lifestyle changes and other self-help measures. Those include drinking plenty of liquids; sucking on ice chips; avoiding acidic foods and liquids such as tomatoes, orange juice, carbonated beverages, and coffee; avoiding alcohol; avoiding spicy foods; refraining from tobacco use; avoiding products with cinnamon or mint; and using mild or flavor-free toothpastes. Working to reduce stress and relax can also help”.12

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Burning Mouth Syndrome?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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Links

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  58. MouthHealthy.org
  59. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
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  67. Perimenopause
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  69. Postmenopause
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  71. Sjogren’s Syndrome
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  73. The Hidden Impact of Hormones on Women’s Gum Health and Overall Wellbeing [07 March 2025]
  74. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  75. What Do Your Hormones Have To Do With Your Oral Health?
  76. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  77. What Your Mouth Says About Your Health
  78. Why You Should Add A Water Flosser To Your Oral Health Routine
  79. World Oral Health Day [20 March]
    Burning Mouth Syndrome Burning Mouth Syndrome

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Overview. Last Reviewed: September 2022. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth/more-info Accessed: 03 January 2025
  2. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Overview. Last Reviewed: September 2022. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth/more-info Accessed: 03 January 2025
  3. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Symptoms. Last Reviewed: September 2022. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth/more-info Accessed: 03 January 2025
  4. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Overview – What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome? 21 December 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14463-burning-mouth-syndrome Accessed: 03 January 2025
  5. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 22 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350911 Accessed: 03 January 2025
  6. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Why Doctors Sometimes Fight It’s Fire With Fire. 10 July 2023. Mayo Clinic https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-mouth-syndrome-why-doctors-sometimes-fight-its-fire-with-fire/ Accessed: 03 January 2025
  7. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Who Does It Affect? Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/burning-mouth-syndrome Accessed: 03 January 2025
  8. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Overview – Who Is Most At Risk for Burning Mouth Syndrome? 21 December 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14463-burning-mouth-syndrome Accessed: 01 January 2025
  9. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Diagnosis. Last Reviewed: September 2022. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth/more-info Accessed: 03 January 2025
  10. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome. 22 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350917 Accessed: 03 January 2025
  11. Burning Mouth Syndrome: How Long Could I Have BMS for? Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/burning-mouth-syndrome Accessed: 03 January 2025
  12. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Why Doctors Sometimes Fight Its Fire With Fire. 10 July 2023. Mayo Clinic https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-mouth-syndrome-why-doctors-sometimes-fight-its-fire-with-fire/ Accessed: 03 January 2025
Topic Last Updated: 07 March 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 January 2025

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