Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) refers to the recurrent or ongoing burning sensation in the mouth that seems to come out of nowhere. It affects your gums, tongue, inside cheeks, lips, roof of the mouth or even the whole mouth. The condition often appears unexpectedly and is at times severe. Unfortunately, its cause is not often obvious. This makes the treatments for burning mouth syndrome somewhat hard. However, you shouldn’t lose hope. By working with a health care professional, you can control the syndrome. Below are some treatment options available for those who are suffering from the condition.
Medical treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome treatment can only be done by treating the underlying condition.
If It Is Caused by Dry Mouth
You can drink more fluids or take medication that improves the flow of saliva in the mouth.
If It Is Caused by Other Oral Conditions
If the condition is caused by oral thrush, treatment can be done with antifungal medications. These medications include nyastatin (myocastatin) or diflucan (fluconazole).
If It Is Caused by Psychological Problem
Depression and anxiety can bring about the syndrome. Psychiatric therapy or antidepressant therapy may be recommended by your doctor. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Zoloft and Prozac) cause lesser dry mouth compared to other antidepressants.
If It Is Caused by Nutritional Deficiencies
With the burning mouth syndrome treatment for nutritional deficiencies, you need to take Vitamin B supplements. Also include iron and zinc supplements.
If It Is Caused by Your Dentures
Adjust your dentures at the dentist’s for reduced mouth irritation. Replace the denture in case it contains irritating substances. Also practice good denture care at night by removing and cleaning your dentures thoroughly.
If It Is Caused by Nerve Disturbance
Your doctor may prescribe medications that help control pain in the nervous system. These include benzodazephines (clonzepam), trcyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) or anticonvulsants (gabapentin). For pain relief, the doctor may recommend that you rinse your mouth with capsaicin and water.
If It Is Caused by Allergies
If the condition is caused by allergies, you should find and avoid the foods containing allergens.
If It Is Caused by Medications
If the medication you are taking causes BMS, try using an alternative medication. Consult your doctor for further advice.
If It Is Caused by Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine disorders, including diabetes and hypothyroidism, can cause this condition. Treatment is only possible if these disorders are first treated.
If It Is Caused by Hormonal Imbalance
Burning in the mouth occurs commonly in women after menopause. The hormonal changes affect the taste buds and saliva composition. As a result, hormonal replacement therapy is required for treatment.
Natural Remedies for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome treatment is dependent upon the underlying cause. If no cause is identified, you can try the following remedies to relieve symptoms.
1. Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle changes and home remedies include:
- Drink more fluids to ease dry mouth.
- Avoid cinnamon, mint, hot-spicy foods, tobacco and alcohol.
- Avoid acidic foods, liquids like orange juice, tomatoes, coffee and soft drinks.
- Use toothpaste with a mild flavor, no mint or cinnamon for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid excessive stress.
- Remove any dirty particles that may have accumulated on the burn.
- Wet a clean cloth with clean water and hold it on top of the burn.
- Suck on ice chips or popsicles to soothe the pain.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.
2. Vitamin B
Burning mouth sensation can be a result of lack of Vitamin B. If this is the case, boosting intake of Vitamin B helps treat this condition. You can take daily supplements or add natural nutrient sources to your diet. These include meat, brown rice, wheat germ, whole grain bread, cereals and soya beans.
3. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an effective remedy for the syndrome according to the Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine. It is a powerful antioxidant to protect the body from free radicals. It also helps recover nerve cell function, preventing further damage. Take 600 mg of ALA twice daily.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda fights infection and overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. You can brush your teeth with baking soda or gargle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda diluting with 6 to 8 ounces of water.
5. Honey
Honey can soothe your mouth and fight infection. Apply some honey on your tongue and let it sit for about 60 seconds before swallowing.
6. Lavender Oil
This helps soothe pain and reduce inflammation. Lavender oil also helps calm your senses and reduce stress. Take 40 mg of lavender oil twice daily.
Experiences with Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment
The doctor prescribed “difflam’’ mouthwash and spray. It worked, but the BMS was back only after 6 weeks. I tried mixing oregano oil with 80% carvacrol in water. I then gargled the mixture repeatedly for 5 times daily. It worked.
My mother experienced burning mouth syndrome for 6 months. After seeing the doctor and a dentist with no improvement, she decided to see another dentist who found out that she had contracted a parasite from her last tooth filling. The dentist later put her on antibiotics and medications to kill the parasite. It has been two weeks since and she is feeling much better.
I am in my menopause with BMS which has been on and off for several years. I have tried a dentist and a family doctor in vain. I did some research and found out that chewing peppermint chewing gum can help. I decided to give it a try and trust me it has helped with the pain.
I had been having BMS for more than 2 months. I began rinsing my mouth with baking soda (1 and 1 ½ teaspoons to 8oz water). I have seen 100% improvement in 2 weeks.
I had BMS for a month due to the thyroid medication I took. The doctor offered to give alternative medication. The substitute was Mega B Vitamins. This helped for almost a week, though I have got a bit of a sensitive tongue.