There is a condition called burning mouth syndrome, or BMS for short. It is a condition that causes people to suffer from a burning pain that can affect their lips and tongue. Sometimes, more severe cases can cause a person's whole mouth to burn. Even though parts of the mouth may feel as if they are burning, there are no visual signs of the condition, such as scalded areas or blisters. There isn't one specific known cause, but some risk factors can include having a constant dry mouth, diabetes, the start of menopause, certain nutrient deficiencies, and certain medications or treatments. This guide on BMS will further educate you on this condition.

Some of the things that are considered to be a risk for developing BMS may include:

 Xerostomia, also commonly referred to as constant dry mouth caused by a decreased production in the amount of saliva made by your salivary glands. Xerostomia can be caused by things like medications, diabetes, Alzheimer's, illness and dehydration.

Bruxism, also commonly referred to as teeth grinding can increase your chances of developing BMS. Teeth grinding can also cause many other issues such as fractured or ground down teeth, jaw pains, and headaches.

Acid reflux can increase the risk of BMS, along with an increased risk of tooth decay due to the acids coming up in your mouth and eating away at your teeth enamel.

Allergies are another risk factor for the development of BSM. Allergies can cause a post nasal drip and dry mouth which are both things that can cause burning mouth syndrome.

Some of the symptoms of BMS include:

A feeling of burning which can happen on your lips, tongue and sometimes even throughout your entire mouth.

Some people can even experience the burning sensation down in their throat.

Along with the burning feeling, some people also get what they describe as the taste of metal or a bitterness in their mouth.

For many patients of BMS, the condition can come on spontaneously at varying degrees, and for others, it can come on gradually and then get worse.

The symptoms of the condition can lead to other problems like irritability, depression, and insomnia.

Some of the possible treatments for BMS can include:

If BMS is due to a cavity, then the treatment can be as easy as treating the cavity, which is something that you would want to have taken care of anyway.

If dry mouth is the cause, you may need to increase your water intake, brush more frequently and possibly start on medication to help you produce more saliva.

If teeth grinding is the cause, the dentist can fit you for a night guard to wear while you are sleeping so you won't be able to grind them anymore. For more information, contact a company like Rabel Family Dentistry.