Burning Mouth Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Ever felt like your mouth was on fire, even though you haven’t eaten anything spicy or hot? If that burning sensation shows up out of nowhere, it’s not just in your head. When it spreads across your tongue, lips, or even your whole mouth, you might be dealing with a condition called Burning Mouth Syndrome.

It’s a frustrating (and often painful) condition that affects around 1.3 million Americans each year. It can interfere with your daily activities like eating, swallowing, speaking, and drinking. While it’s not always linked to an underlying health issue, if the symptoms don’t improve within two weeks, it’s important to seek professional help.

Keep reading to find out what causes Burning Mouth Syndrome, when to seek treatment, and whether it can be cured.

So What Exactly Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

BMS or Burning Mouth Syndrome is a medical condition in which someone’s lips, tongue, or roof of the mouth experiences a burning sensation. It spreads easily to the entire mouth, causing pain or a burning sensation.

Some people experience dry mouth, altered taste, mouth pain, or numbness in the mouth that comes and goes along with the symptoms. This condition gets worse as the day goes on; you might feel fine when you wake up or put yourself in bed. Because of this, it gets difficult to find the cause, which makes the treatment challenging. However, a proper medical checkup and care can help diminish the symptoms.

What does it feel like?

Depending on person to person, Burning Mouth Syndrome symptoms can be mild to severe.

Mild Symptoms	Moderate Symptoms	Severe Symptoms
Occasional tingling or numbness in the mouth	Persistent burning feeling on the tongue, lips, or other areas	Intense burning or scalding sensation all day
Mild dryness in the mouth	Noticeable dry mouth needing constant hydration	Severe dry mouth causing difficulty swallowing or speaking
Slight change in taste (e.g., slightly metallic)	Strong metallic, bitter, or altered taste	Complete loss of taste (ageusia)

What Causes BMS?

Burning Mouth Syndrome can be tricky because it doesn’t always have a clear cause. It’s typically divided into two categories:

Primary BMS: This is when the cause is unknown, and the mouth appears clinically normal. Researchers believe that nerve damage or dysfunction may play a role here.
Secondary BMS: In this case, the burning sensation is triggered by an underlying medical condition. Common causes include:

Sharp pain or discomfort when biting
Cold sensitivity that doesn’t improve or worsens over time
A filling that feels sharp, rough, or irritating
Any concerns that don’t seem to be getting better after a few days

Early adjustments can prevent more complicated issues down the line. We always want you to feel comfortable and confident about your treatment.

How Is BMS Diagnosed?

Since there’s no specific test for Burning Mouth Syndrome, diagnosis often involves ruling out other conditions first. Your doctor or dentist may conduct blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, diabetes, or infections. They may also take a saliva sample, perform oral swabs, or even recommend a biopsy in rare cases. In some situations, a referral to a neurologist, ENT specialist, or dermatologist may be necessary. Getting a clear diagnosis can take time, but it’s essential for effective treatment.

Treatments Available For Burning Mouth Syndrome

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for BMS, but treatments can reduce discomfort and help manage symptoms. Depending on the cause, options include:

Medication Adjustments: If your BMS is related to a drug side effect, your doctor may adjust your prescription.
Nutritional Supplements: Iron, zinc, and B-vitamin deficiencies can be treated with supplements if a blood test confirms low levels.
Saliva Substitutes or Mouth Rinses: These help relieve dry mouth and soothe the burning sensation.
Pain Relievers or Anticonvulsants: Medications like clonazepam, gabapentin, or amitriptyline can help manage nerve-related pain.
Antifungal Treatment: If oral thrush is present, antifungal medications may be necessary.

Can BMS Go Away on Its Own?

In some cases—especially when triggered by stress, medication, or a minor infection—BMS may resolve on its own within weeks or months. However, many people experience symptoms for years without the right intervention. That’s why early detection and targeted treatment are so important. Even if a cure isn’t possible, consistent management can significantly improve quality of life. The earlier you take action, the better your chances of reducing pain and regaining control over your daily routines.

When to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor or dentist if:

The burning sensation persists for more than a few days.
You’re experiencing other symptoms like dry mouth, taste changes, or pain while eating.
You’ve recently started a new medication and noticed changes in your mouth.
You have risk factors like menopause, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic stress.

Don’t ignore it. While BMS isn’t life-threatening, untreated symptoms can lead to frustration, sleep disturbances, and even depression.

Life With BMS

Living with Burning Mouth Syndrome can be challenging, especially when the symptoms are chronic. But with proper care and lifestyle adjustments, many people manage it successfully. Here are a few self-care strategies that might help:

Avoid irritants: Stay away from spicy foods, tobacco, alcohol, and acidic fruits.
Practice good oral hygiene: But avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
Stay hydrated: Sip water frequently to relieve dryness.
Track your triggers: Keep a journal of what worsens or improves your symptoms.
Manage stress: Yoga, meditation, or therapy can help reduce the psychological impact.

The Bottom Line

Burning Mouth Syndrome might feel invisible to those around you, but the pain is very real—and thankfully, it’s often manageable with the right care. Whether the cause is a nutritional deficiency, nerve damage, hormonal changes, or chronic stress, there are proven paths to relief. No two cases are exactly the same, which is why it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Living with constant burning or discomfort in your mouth isn’t something you should have to accept. Ignoring the symptoms or brushing them off as minor can delay your recovery and negatively impact your quality of life. The sooner you seek professional help, the sooner you can start exploring solutions—from medical treatments to lifestyle changes—that actually make a difference.

Dr. Susann Mentesana

Dr. Susann Mentesana has been serving the Allen community for 22 years. Her experience is vast and her skill set is extensive. She is always ready to discus options and give detailed explainaitions to make you feel comfortable.

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(972)747-1996

Burning Mouth Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment