As we explained in a previous article on the symptoms, causes and risk factors of burning mouth syndrome, burning mouth syndrome is a persistent or recurring burning sensation in the mouth with no obvious cause and, unfortunately, in most cases it is not possible to pinpoint what triggers it.
That is why it is important to see your dentist to get a proper diagnosis and, based on it, choose the most suitable treatment.
Diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome
There is no single test that confirms whether or not you have burning mouth syndrome. Even so, your dentist will try to rule out other problems before reaching the correct diagnosis.
Your dentist or doctor will review your medical history and the medication you take, examine your mouth and ask you to describe your symptoms, your oral habits and your daily oral hygiene routine. They may also carry out a general medical check-up to look for symptoms linked to other conditions.
Diagnostic tests
Some of the tests that may be carried out for diagnosis are:
- Allergy tests. Your doctor may recommend them to find out whether you are allergic to any food, additive or component of dentures.
- Blood tests. These are used to check your full blood count, nutritional factors, thyroid function, glucose levels and immune function, which may point to the source of the discomfort.
- Oral culture and biopsy. Samples are taken from the mouth and analysed to see whether there is a viral, fungal or bacterial infection.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux tests. These can determine whether or not you have gastro-oesophageal reflux.
- Saliva measurements. People with this syndrome may also have a dry mouth, so a saliva test can check whether saliva flow is insufficient.
- Temporarily stopping medication. Some medicines can contribute to discomfort in the mouth, so your doctor may recommend stopping them temporarily, where possible, to see whether the discomfort goes away or persists. Stopping some medicines can be dangerous, so never do it on your own, only when your doctor advises it.
- Imaging tests. Your doctor may advise a CT scan, an MRI or other imaging tests to check for other problems.
- Psychological questionnaires. Occasionally you may be asked to fill in some questionnaires to help determine whether there are symptoms of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions.
Treatment
The treatment of secondary burning mouth syndrome depends on which undiagnosed conditions may be causing the oral discomfort.
For example, replacing ill-fitting dentures or taking supplements to treat vitamin deficiencies can ease the pain. That is why identifying the cause is so important. Once the previously undiagnosed problems are treated, the symptoms of this syndrome should improve.
On the other hand, there is no known cure for burning mouth syndrome, nor a precise, proven way to treat it. There are still no conclusive studies on the most effective procedures for this syndrome. The type of treatment will depend on your symptoms and is used only to control them. Before finding the right treatment to reduce your discomfort, you may need to try several approaches.
Some treatments may include:
- Specific mouthwashes
- Saliva substitutes
- Anticonvulsant medicines, such as clonazepam
- Certain antidepressants
- Painkillers made from chilli peppers, such as capsaicin
- Medicines that block neuropathic pain
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
Home remedies and lifestyle
To reduce symptoms and oral discomfort, you can also:
- Drink plenty of fluids to ease the feeling of dry mouth
- Avoid acidic drinks or foods (coffee, tomatoes, orange juice…)
- Avoid tobacco products
- Avoid alcohol and products containing alcohol, as they can irritate the lining of the mouth
- Adopt habits that help reduce stress
- Avoid hot or heavily spiced foods
- Use mild or flavourless toothpastes, such as those for sensitive teeth or ones without mint
- Avoid products containing mint or cinnamon
If you notice a persistent burning sensation in your mouth, at Clínica Dental Acosta Cubero, in Torre del Mar (Vélez-Málaga), we will help you find the cause and advise you on the most suitable dental treatments: book your appointment.
