Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can be a challenging condition to treat, because its underlying cause sometimes cannot be determined. Almost 90% of its sufferers are menopausal women, and it rarely occurs in women younger than 30 years old.
BMS is diagnosed by excluding all possible causes and then treating the suspected underlying condition. In many cases, once the condition is well managed, the burning mouth sensation disappears. Read on to discover the most effective ways to cure burning mouth syndrome.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Burning mouth sensation might result from poor oral conditions. Regular dental check-ups can prevent gum disease and tooth decay that might trigger a burning mouth. Try using baking soda, instead of a toothpaste, and make sure your toothbrush is soft and does not irritate your gums and tongue.
Cut Down on Unhealthy Habits
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can affect the tissues and muscles of the mouth and result in a burning sensation. Ask your doctor to help you overcome your additions with medications or support groups.
Treat Cuts, Burns, and Mouth Ulcers
Burns, cuts, or ulcers in the mouth can give a burning sensation and lead to an infection. First aid might include baking soda and saltwater mouth rinses, anti-inflammatory drugs,applying analgesic gel or aloe vera to painful spots in the mouth to soothe the burning sensation.
Fight Off Oral Infections
Oral infections, such as herpes simplex, can cause a burning mouth sensation and also produce puss, swelling, and severe pain. The treatment is usually very effective, depending on the type of microorganism causing an infection, and might include antibiotics, antifungal, or antiviral drugs.
Keep Your Allergies at Bay
Allergies can trigger many unpleasant symptoms, such as burning mouth, so it is best to avoid the allergens in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Acute allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines, while immunotherapy might provide a long-term protection.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Anxiety or depression can give rise to numerous physical symptoms, including a burning mouth sensation, but they can be treated with psychotherapy or medication, like anti-depressants or mood stabilizers. Also with herbal remedies, like winter cherry or curcumin, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture can be helpful.
Balance Your Hormones
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone are drastically shifting, causing many rare symptoms, such as itchy skin or burning mouth. Phytoestrogens, like red clover, and hormone-regulating supplements can naturally stabilize hormones. Hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) does as well, but it might lead to serious side effects.
Manage Your Diabetes
Women with diabetes are more prone to oral infections, which might result in a burning mouth sensation. Major lifestyle and diet changes are key to controlling proper blood sugar levels. Medications, like those that regulate insulin production, might also be needed.
Eliminate Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin B-complex, iron, and zinc deficit is one of the most common causes of BMS. It is also very easy to treat with diet rich in fish, diary, green vegetables, and legumes, or vitamin supplements.
Reduce Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is common in menopausal women and can cause mouth irritation and burning. With lifestyle changes, like avoiding food triggers, and medications, it is possible to effectively reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Since BMS usually does not produce any visible abnormalities in the mouth, it is difficult to diagnose and understand it. Many women remain undiagnosed for years, struggling to find the cure and relief. If you are in the process of searching for the underlying cause of your burning mouth syndrome, learn more about it.
Sources
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. (2016). Burning mouth syndrome. Retrieved September 29, 2017 from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5974/burning-mouth-syndrome
- Journal of Medicine and Life. (2014). Epidemiological and etiological aspects of burning mouth syndrome. Retrieved September 29, 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206710/
- Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences. (2014). Burning mouth syndrome: A review on its diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Retrieved September 29, 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4157273/