This information leaflet answers common questions regarding Burning Mouth Syndrome.
If you have any other specific queries please do not hesitate to ask the surgeon or the nurse.
What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is the name given to pain or discomfort felt in the mouth. It often affects the tongue, lips and cheeks but can affect anywhere in the mouth. Most people with the condition describe the symptoms as a ‘burning’ or ‘scalded’ feeling inside the mouth. The sensation is usually present daily and often worsens throughout the day. Usually the mouth appears normal on examination.
Who is affected?
BMS is a common condition and often affects women of post menopausal age. It can also affect men. Up to 1 in 3 older women are affected by burning mouth syndrome.
What is BMS caused by?
The causes of BMS are poorly understood. It is considered to be a neuropathic pain condition (malfunctioning of nerves). Factors that may play a role in the development of BMS include hormonal changes and neuropathic mechanisms (changes originating in nerves).
What are the symptoms of BMS
Patients with BMS can experience one or more of the symptoms below:
- Burning sensation.
- Altered sensation such as tingling or numbness.
- Dry mouth.
Usually, this discomfort occurs daily and may increase in severity as the day goes on. It is often continuous, however in some patients it may also come and go.
Some patients may find that the symptoms are worse with eating hot or spicy foods and during times of stress.
How is BMS diagnosed?
As there is no test to diagnose BMS, the diagnosis largely relies on your description of symptoms and clinical examination in order to exclude any disease or condition.
Investigations are often required to rule out any other causes of a sore mouth. These may include blood tests to exclude anaemia, and deficiencies such as iron, folate or vitamin B12. A mouth swab may be taken if a fungal (oral thrush) infection is suspected.
If all your investigations are normal, a diagnosis of BMS can be made.
What treatment is available?
BMS cannot be cured and treatment is largely based on helping you manage your symptoms. The persistent feeling of a sore mouth can lead to anxiety or depression and professional advice should be sought from your GP if the condition is affecting you in this way.
Management options include:
- Avoiding triggering foods
- Leading a healthy lifestyle
- Regular exercises and relaxation techniques
- Regular use of warm salty mouthwashes
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (undertaken with a psychologist)
- Local anaesthetic gels (available over the counter) such as Bonjela®, Orajel® etc.
- Non-steroidal mouthwash and spray (available over the counter such as Difflam®
- Antidepressant and anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic) medications can be helpful, such as amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin
Further Information
- https://www.baoms.org.uk/patients/conditions/2/burning_mouth_syndrome
- https://www.orofacialpain.org.uk/downloads/Orofacial%20pain%20patient%20leaflets/Burning_Mouth_Syndrome%20IASP%20fact%20sheet.pdf
- Support groups which will allow you to connect with others also suffering from BMS can be found on the following website: https://www.bms-support.org/
- Online support for patients suffering
Contact details
Bedford Hospital
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Bedford Hospital
1 Kempston Road
Bedford
MK42 9DJ
Tel: 01234 355122
Luton & Dunstable University Hospital
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Luton & Dunstable Hospital
Lewsey Road
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU4 0DZ
Tel: 01582 491166