Just like what the name says, burning mouth syndrome is something that can cause your entire mouth or certain areas of it to feel like they’re scalded. It’s something that can show up suddenly or gradually develop.
Unfortunately, it’s not all the time that the cause can be pinned down. In fact, sometimes burning mouth syndrome can strike without any apparent cause. Such is referred to by doctors as primary burning mouth syndrome. While it’s true that treating it can be a massive challenge since the causative factor is unidentifiable, there are ways to have the symptoms managed.
With regards to burning mouth syndrome whose underlying cause is identifiable, which is referred to as secondary burning mouth syndrome, treating it entails dealing with the root cause of the problem.
Keep on reading to know some of the most important matters you need to know about burning mouth syndrome. Don’t forget to share this article on your various social media accounts afterwards in order to have your family members and friends introduced to it as well.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of burning mouth syndrome is of course a sensation that the mouth is burning or has been scalded. In some cases, the entire mouth is affected. However, in some people who are suffering from it only certain areas of the mouth are experiencing the symptoms.
Commonly, it is the tongue that is only affected, which is oftentimes referred to as burning tongue syndrome. However, it’s also possible for other areas to be the ones affected, like the lips, gums or palate.
Aside from a burning or scalded sensation, other symptoms may be encountered as well. For instance, the individual may have a metallic or bitter taste in his or her mouth. Loss of taste is also a possibility. Some people who suffer from burning mouth syndrome report that they have mouth dryness and increased thirst.
The symptoms of burning mouth syndrome can come and go. For many, the associated discomfort is minimal in the morning, but then worsens as the hours go by.
Causes
Burning mouth syndrome can either be primary or secondary. It all depends on the underlying cause, or lack of an identifiable one such as in the case of primary burning mouth syndrome.
Sometimes referred to as idiopathic burning mouth syndrome, primary burning mouth syndrome is something whose cause cannot be pinned down despite of various clinical assessments and laboratory exams. Some experts believe that primary burning mouth syndrome is related to issues with the taste and sensory nerves.
On the other hand, secondary burning mouth syndrome is something whose direct cause can be identified. So in other words, it is simply the symptom or outcome of an entirely different issue.
Some of the most common causes of secondary burning mouth syndrome include: certain nutritional deficiencies, dry mouth or xerostomia, intake of high blood pressure medications and some other drugs, endocrine disorders, the use of ill-fitting dentures, oral thrush, and even psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
Treatment
Just like what’s mentioned earlier, it can be hard for doctors to look for a treatment for primary burning mouth syndrome since its underlying cause cannot be identified.
However, there are ways to have the symptoms it brings minimized. For instance, the individual may suck on ice chips or drink plenty of fluids. The intake of hot beverages and spicy foods should be avoided. Switching to oral care products that do not have strong flavors is recommended. Smokers with burning mouth syndrome should quit smoking.
On the other hand, there are treatments available for those who are being bugged by secondary burning mouth syndrome. The appropriate treatment depends on the medical condition that’s causing the problem.
