If you regularly experience sudden burning sensations in your mouth without any obvious cause, you may be suffering from burning mouth syndrome. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful condition that is often described as an intense burning, scalding or tingling sensation in the mouth or tongue.  

Most commonly experienced by people over the age of 60, BMS is up to 7 times more likely to occur in women than men. This is thought to be in part due to lower estrogen levels in postmenopausal people contributing to decreased taste bud sensitivity.

Symptoms of BMS may include:

• A burning sensation on your tongue, lips, gums or mouth

• Increased thirst and an overall feeling of dry mouth

• Loss of taste

• Tingling or numbness in your mouth

Pain from BMS can last for months or even years, and symptoms may stay constant throughout the day or, in other cases, worsen as the day progresses. For many, eating or drinking can cause temporary symptom relief.  

It’s believed that another contributing cause of BMS arises from nerve damage to the area of your tongue that controls both taste and pain. This damage affects taste and makes your mouth feel as though it’s burning. While the direct cause of this nerve damage is still unknown, research has noted a link between BMS and grinding your teeth, as well as stress, nutritional deficiencies or other underlying medical conditions.  

Unfortunately, BMS can be hard to diagnose due to a lack of visual symptoms like bumps or discolouration associated with it. However, your dentist will likely be able to help you manage oral habits that can contribute to or cause BMS like tooth grinding or jaw clenching. They may also be able to prescribe medication to help control pain and relieve symptom-worsening dry mouth. If you’re concerned that you may be suffering from BMS, reach out using the orange “Book Online” button on our website to schedule an appointment today.

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