Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)
Burning mouth syndrome is a condition that causes pain or discomfort in the mouth. It can be a burning, tingling or numbness affecting the whole mouth or just the tongue in some cases. It is a common condition that can also affect the lips, cheeks, jaw. BMS can cause difficulty swallowing. A bad taste in the mouth. Loss of taste and increased thirst. BMS is mostly found in postmenopausal women. However, it can affect anyone at any time.
Burning Mouth Syndromes causes generally fall into two classes, direct and indirect.
Direct Causes of BMS
-dry mouth
-allergies
-medical conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
-mouth infection
-gastrointestinal issues
-some medications
-anxiety or depression
-age-related
Indirect causes of BMS
-poor diet -consuming a diet high in sugar and or acidic foods or drinks
-dentures not fitted properly
-teeth grinding
-brushing teeth too hard
-overusing mouthwash
-brushing tongue to vigorously
-smoking and/or consuming alcohol
Treatment for BMS
BMS can be difficult to treat due to the numerous factors that can cause BMS. You may have to go through several treatments to find out which one is right for you.
Diagnosing BMS is simply a process of elimination. As we’ve seen BMS can be the result of a medical or dental issue. It can also be caused by lifestyle.
No matter the cause, it is important that you find the best treatment for your BMS symptoms.
If you are dealing with BMS. Please advise your dental professional. Your dental professional will perform a comprehensive dental exam. This is needed to determine if the cause of your BMS is a dental issue. If it is not a dental issue, your dental professional may still recommend dental treatments that can help to alleviate your BMS symptoms.
If your dental professional rules out a dental issue, they will advise you to seek medical attention for your BMS symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only and is in no way intended to diagnose, treat or be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice.