Like its name suggests, burning mouth syndrome causes a burning sensation in the mouth. It is thought that this condition is caused when the brain doesn’t understand messages sent from nerves in the mouth. You may be asking yourself if you have this condition and if it can be treated.
Symptoms
An uncomfortable, burning sensation is obviously a symptom of burning mouth syndrome, but other symptoms can include:
- A scalded sensation
- A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
- Burning sensation that gets progressively worse throughout the day
- Sore mouth
- A loss of taste
- Dry mouth
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
Treatments
There is no known cause for burning mouth syndrome, but there are a few medical conditions and other problems that are thought to be possible causes. Having your dentist or physician treat these causes can often result in treating the burning mouth syndrome. These causes include:
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Dry mouth
- Depression
- Allergic reaction
- Hormone changes
- Stress and anxiety
- Thyroid problems
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Acid reflex
- Fungal infection
- Immune system problems
There are other ways in which you can relieve the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. These ways include:
- Sucking on ice cubes
- Sipping water
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use
- Avoiding foods which are hot, acidic, or spicy