Burning mouth syndrome is a medical condition that may cause a burning sensation in the mouth. Often no obvious cause can be found, and the condition can either be ongoing or cyclic. The discomfort can be felt anywhere in the mouth such as the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, lips and the inside of the cheeks. It may be localised to one area or become widespread.
Treatment of this condition can be challenging, but working with a healthcare professional can help you get the symptoms under control.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of burning mouth syndrome can vary from person to person. Some people describe a severe scalding pain, while others may have milder symptoms such as numbness and tingling. The symptoms can come on quickly or develop slowly over time.
Common symptoms associated with burning mouth syndrome
- A burning or scalded sensation that may affect anywhere in your mouth
- Numbness and tingling
- A sensation of dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased thirst
- Taste changes, such as a bitter or metallic taste
- Loss of taste
Why is my mouth burning?
Often, no exact cause can be found, but some people who have the condition say it started after dental work, an illness or taking medication.
Women are more likely to get burning mouth syndrome – especially those who have gone through menopause. It’s possible a change in hormones may trigger the condition by reducing saliva. Reduction of saliva production may cause a metallic taste, and trigger a burning sensation in the mouth. Some menopausal women may also experience greater sensitivity to pain.
Other possible causes
- An allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwashes or materials used in dentures
- Dentures that fit poorly
- Damage to the nerves in the mouth
- Anxiety or depression
Burning mouth syndrome may be associated with other medical conditions such as acid reflux, diabetes, thyroid problems or thrush.
Nutrient deficiencies may play a role and include lack of iron, vitamin B12, zinc or folic acid. Dry mouth may also be caused by other conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome, certain medications or radiation therapy. If a cause is identified, then this is referred to as secondary burning mouth syndrome. If no cause is found, you will likely be diagnosed with primary burning mouth syndrome.
Getting diagnosed
t’s important to visit your health care professional if you have symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. This can help to rule out other medical issues such as allergies, infection, diabetes, dry mouth and thyroid disorders. A blood test, mouth swab, allergy test or salivary flow test may be performed.
Natural treatment options for burning mouth syndrome
Aloe vera
The inner gel from the aloe vera plant may provide cooling relief to the mouth. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and in sufferers of burning mouth syndrome it may help to reduce the burning sensation and pain in the sore areas of the tongue in conjunction with a tongue protector.
Alpha lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid acts as an antioxidant and powerful neuroprotective agent that prevents nerve damage and regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, thereby reducing the symptoms. In a 2015 study, 60 patients with burning mouth syndrome received either 600 mg/day of alpha lipoic acid or a placebo. After 2 months, 60 patients reported some level of improvement in their symptoms.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B has been studied for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome, as deficiencies in these nutrients have been identified as a potential cause.
Different types of Vitamin B have been studied, including B1, B2, B6, folic acid and B12. What the studies have discovered is that supplementation will only be effective if you are deficient in a specific B vitamin.
Topical capsaicin
Capsaicin is naturally derived from chilli peppers and works by desensitising pain receptors and depleting Substance P, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for the perception of pain. In burning mouth syndrome, capsaicin works by reducing nerve inflammation – leading to a reduction in the oral burning sensation characteristic of burning mouth syndrome. A study utilising oral capsaicin was shown to have a statistically significant improvement in visual analog score (VAS) ratings but with the complication of serious gastric pain in 32% of the participants by the end of 4 weeks.
Dietary triggers
Foods that may trigger or worsen symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. Food allergies to peanuts, chestnuts, cinnamon and sorbic acid, a common food preservative, may be related to burning mouth syndrome.
If you suspect burning mouth syndrome, it is a good idea to arrange a thorough checkup with your healthcare professional. This may help identify a potential cause and treatment plan for the condition. Working in conjunction with your healthcare professional may also help with implementing dietary changes, identifying triggers and testing alternative treatments.
Related reads:
References:
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- Burning mouth syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 22). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350911
- Ślebioda, Z., & Szponar, E. (2014). Burning mouth syndrome – a common dental problem in perimenopausal women. Przeglad Menopauzalny, 3, 198–202. https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2014.43825
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- Lechien, J. R., Hans, S., De Marrez, L. G., Dequanter, D., Rodriguez, A., Muls, V., Abdelouahed, F. B., Evrard, L., Maniaci, A., Saussez, S., & Bobin, F. (2021). Prevalence and Features of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients with Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome. The Laryngoscope, 131(10). https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.29604
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