Burning Mouth Syndrome: Diagnosis And Treatment Options

How Is Burning Mouth Syndrome Diagnosed?

If you experience the symptoms describe above, it's time to see a doctor. The diagnostic process starts — as is the case for most medical conditions — with a chat about your symptoms, when they occur, and what your medical history is. 

Burning mouth syndrome can be said to be either primary or secondary. Figuring out whether you have primary or secondary BMS is a very important part of the diagnostic process:

• Primary burning mouth syndrome doesn't have an identifiable underlying cause, and is thought to be caused by nerve damage in the oral area. 
• Secondary BMS, on the other hand, can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions, ranging from hormonal changes or allergies to dental products to oral infections, acid reflux, Sjögren’s syndrome, radiation therapy, or reactions to certain types of medication. 

• Type 1: Patients wake up without symptoms, and then experience symptoms that get progressively worse throughout the day.
• Type 2: Patients experience symptoms during the day time, only to find relief at night.
• Type 3: Patients' symptoms do not follow a predictable pattern, and they will experience days without any symptoms.

Burning Mouth Syndrome: What Treatment Is Available?

As a complex pain disorder, burning mouth syndrome poses special challenges for doctors and patients alike. The cause of your BMS may or may not be identified, but relief is indeed available — though no one treatment works for every single patient with burning mouth syndrome, and some experimentation will almost certainly be required.

If you have secondary burning mouth syndrome, your symptoms will clear up when the underlying condition that led to your pain — like diabetes, for instance — is treated. Those with primary BMS depend on pain relief and medications that serve to increase salivary flow within the mouth. 

Your doctor will advise you to:

• Keep very well hydrated. As a dry mouth makes symptoms worse, you may feel relief. Chewing gum or sucking on ice cubes may also help.
• Avoid any substances that can add to the irritation within your mouth. Where applicable, patients should quit smoking, avoid alcohol, cease to use cinnamon, spicy foods, and mint, and acidic substances such as soda, citrus juice, and coffee.
• Use the oral hygiene products recommended by your doctor. 
• Try to find relief from stress, including through counseling. Excessive stress can worsen the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome.