Burning mouth syndrome is a persistent or recurring burning sensation in the mouth with no obvious cause. It can affect the gums, tongue, lips, the inside of the cheeks, the palate or wider areas of the mouth. The burning can be so intense that it feels as if you’ve scalded your mouth.
The syndrome can come on suddenly or gradually. Unfortunately, in most cases it isn’t possible to pinpoint what causes it. This makes treatment more difficult, so the burning can often be better controlled through teamwork between the healthcare professionals who usually look after you.
Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome
- A burning sensation that usually affects the tongue, although it can also affect the gums, lips, throat, palate or the whole mouth.
- Changes in taste, for example a metallic or sour taste.
- Loss of taste.
- A dry feeling in the mouth, with increased thirst.
The discomfort usually follows different patterns. It may:
- Start as soon as you wake up and last all day.
- Happen every day, milder on waking but getting worse as the day goes on.
- Come and go.
Whatever type of discomfort you have, the syndrome can last for months or even years. Only rarely do the symptoms suddenly disappear on their own or become less frequent. Some sensations may ease temporarily when you eat or drink.
Burning mouth syndrome doesn’t usually cause any visible physical changes to the tongue or mouth.
If you have discomfort, pain or a burning feeling in your tongue, gums, lips or other parts of your mouth, you should see your dentist or doctor. They may need to work together to find the source of the problem and plan an effective treatment.
Causes of burning mouth
Depending on its cause, burning mouth syndrome is classed as primary or secondary.
Primary
When no clinical or laboratory abnormalities can be found, the condition is called “primary or idiopathic burning mouth syndrome”.
Some research links this syndrome to problems with taste and with the sensory nerves of the central or peripheral nervous system.
Secondary
Sometimes, undiagnosed conditions can cause the syndrome. When this happens, it is called “secondary burning mouth syndrome”.
Problems that can be linked to this syndrome include:
- Dry mouth. Also known as xerostomia or dry mouth, it can be caused by certain medicines, health problems or salivary gland problems, or by the side effects of cancer treatment.
- Other oral conditions. For example, oral lichen planus, fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush) or geographic tongue, where the tongue looks like a map.
- Nutritional deficiencies. Such as a lack of zinc, iron and vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12.
- Dentures. Especially when they don’t fit the gums properly, as they can put strain on some muscles or tissues in the mouth, or when they contain materials that may irritate them.
- Allergies or reactions. To certain foods, seasonings, additives, fragrances, dyes or materials used in dental work.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux. Acid travelling up from the stomach into the mouth.
- Certain medicines. Particularly those used for high blood pressure.
- Oral habits. Such as thrusting the tongue, biting the tip of the tongue or bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Endocrine disorders. For example, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
- Excessive irritation of the mouth. From brushing the tongue too much, using abrasive toothpastes, overusing mouthwash or drinking a lot of acidic drinks.
- Psychological factors. Such as depression, stress or anxiety.
Risk factors
Although the syndrome is uncommon, the risk may be higher if you are:
- A woman
- Post-menopausal
- Over 50
It usually appears spontaneously, with no known trigger. Even so, some factors can increase the risk of developing it, such as:
- Wearing dentures
- Recent illness
- Allergic reactions to certain foods
- Medication
- Traumatic events
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Previous dental procedures
Complications
The complications of this syndrome are mainly related to the discomfort it causes, for example:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty eating
- Trouble getting to sleep
Prevention
There is currently no way to prevent burning mouth syndrome. Even so, avoiding tobacco, spicy food, acidic food, fizzy drinks and excess stress may reduce the discomfort or stop it getting worse. If you notice a persistent burning feeling in your mouth, book an appointment and we’ll help you find the cause and look at the most suitable dental treatments for you.
