What is Burning Mouth Syndrome? 

According to Mayo Clinic, “Burning Mouth Syndrome is the medical term for ongoing, or recurrent, burning in the mouth without an obvious cause. The discomfort may affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth or widespread areas of your whole mouth. The burning sensation can be severe, as if you scalded your mouth.”

While this condition is rare, you may be at greater risk if you are a woman, postmenopausal and/or over the age of 50. Other risk factors include recent illness, wearing dentures, medications, allergic reactions to foods and stress. It usually begins spontaneously and typically has different patterns. It may occur every day and begin as soon as you wake up and last all day, or it may continue to increase as the day progresses. Other times it may come and go. It can last for months or years, but doesn’t typically cause any noticeable physical changes to the tongue or mouth.

There is no known way to prevent this disorder. If you experience symptoms you should avoid spicy or acidic foods, carbonated drinks, and tobacco use. It’s also best to alleviate excessive stress as best as possible, as stress can trigger many ailments that can take a toll on the body. If you notice a burning sensation in the mouth area, dry mouth with increased thirst, bitter or metallic taste or loss of taste, you may be encountering burning mouth syndrome.

Let Your Dentist Help

At C R Dental Group in Dallas, Texas,  Dr. James Reisman and Dr. Jordana Contrucci encourage patients to visit their dentists at least twice a year. Set an appointment to see your dentist if you have oral issues arise that are uncomfortable or concerning. At that time they can pinpoint a cause and develop a treatment plan. With their help, you may be able to reduce the annoyance and prevent your discomfort from getting worse.