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Burning mouth syndrome is a commonly misunderstood chronic condition that manifests as painful burning sensations on the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth. The condition appears to affect women much more than men and middle-aged people are significantly more susceptible than those in more youthful age groups, although they can get it too.

Perhaps one of the most troubling aspects of burning mouth syndrome is that it is not well understood and is not easily linked to physical irregularities or other medical conditions. Burning mouth syndrome – or BMS – may also be referred to as burning lip or tongue syndrome, scalded mouth syndrome or by medical terms including glossodynia and stomatodynia.

Pain or burning in the oral region is the most noticeable symptom of burning mouth syndrome. Other symptoms may include dry lips, tingling or numbness of the tongue or inside of the mouth, bitter or metallic tastes in the mouth. Typically, symptoms are less prevalent in the morning hours and progress during the day until they climax in the evening and gradually subside overnight.

While the specific cause of burning mouth syndrome is not thoroughly understood by the medical community, there are a number of dental problems that are frequently associated with the condition. Some of the contributing factors of burning mouth syndrome include:

• Iron, folate and Vitamin B deficiencies have been linked to burning sensations in the oral region and can be corrected with supplements.

• Diabetes sufferers are often inflicted with oral infections that may involve burning sensations in the mouth. The problem is enhanced by the fact that diabetics also are affected by vascular effects on blood vessels in the mouth that lessen the patient’s ability to withstand pain.

• Menopause in middle-aged women has been frequently associated with a burning sensation in the mouth. Hormone replacement therapy has proven effective in some women but not for most.

• Oral Thrush is a yeast-like infection that can cause burning sensations in the mouth especially when the sufferer consumes spicy or acidic foods and drinks. Typically, treatment of the infection alleviates the associated burning sensation in the mouth.

• Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth syndrome, is often caused by certain medications and various environmental factors that can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth. The condition can be relieved by using artificial saliva, frequently drinking liquids and otherwise treating the underlying dry mouth condition.

• Psychological problems like anxiety and depression are not direct causal factors but they can inflame the condition because sufferers will commonly engage in destructive behaviors such as teeth grinding or tongue thrusting that can irritate the lips and mouth.

• Oral care products and implements like dentures, certain toothpastes and medications for cancer and acid reflux disease among others can also be contributing factors for burning mouth syndrome.

In order to treat the condition, a dentist may refer the patient to a specialist for blood work and other tests that could eliminate some contributing factors or help diagnose a cause. There are a number of medications including anti-depressants, anticonvulsants, analgesics and mucosal protectors that have been successful in providing relief for patients. Still, there is no cure-all treatment that is widely used.

Patients can also help the process by altering some lifestyle choices including avoidance of alcohol, acidic drinks, tobacco products and toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. It may also be helpful to chew sugarless gum, use baking soda to brush teeth and sip water or suck ice chips for hydration.