Dr. Vishaj S. Maru
Dental Practitioner,
Mumbai
Burning mouth syndrome pain can last for months or years. Some people feel constant pain every day. While for some people pain increases throughout the day, whereas some feel reduction of pain on eating or drinking.
Treatment of burning mouth syndrome is highly individualized and depends on particular sign and symptom and on the underlying cause.
Burning mouth syndrome are of two types: primary and secondary:
1. Primary burning mouth syndrome: As it has no known cause, there is no known cure for primary burning mouth syndrome. Treatment depends on the particular symptom and is aimed at controlling them. It may take time for treatment to help manage symptoms.
Few things that can be considered:
- Drink plenty of fluids to help ease the feeling of dry mouth.
- Suck on crushed ice.
- Chewing sugar-free gum- this helps you produce more saliva which helps to stop your mouth getting dry.
- Avoid acidic foods such as tomato and liquids such as orange juice, carbonated beverage and coffee.
- Avoid spicy-hot foods.
- Avoid products with cinnamon or mint.
- Avoid alcohol and products with alcohol, as they may irritate the lining of your mouth.
- Don’t use tobacco products.
- Try different mild or flavor-free toothpastes, such as one for sensitive teeth or one without mint or cinnamon.
- Take steps to reduce stress.
2. Secondary burning mouth syndrome: For secondary burning mouth syndrome, treatment depends on any underlying conditions that may be causing your mouth discomfort. For example, treating an oral infection or taking supplements for a vitamin deficiency may relieve your discomfort. That’s why it’s important to try to pinpoint the cause. Once any underlying causes are treated, your burning mouth syndrome symptoms should get better.
If you have persistent pain or soreness in your tongue, lips, gums or other areas of your mouth, see your doctor. Your doctor can search for the possible cause or causes to guide the treatment. Burning mouth syndrome can be painful and frustrating. The good news is that it’s a treatable condition. Although it may take time, with the help of a team of health professionals, you can usually find a treatment plan that’s right for you. Patients who experience improvement with treatment can expect good control for years. There is no association of Burning Mouth Syndrome with development of oral cancer.
