Burning Mouth Syndrome- Causes, Symptoms and Home remedies

2022-02-07 13:49:35

Recurrent burning in the mouth without any reason is called the problem of burning in the mouth also known as burning mouth syndrome. When the problem of burning in the mouth arises, there is trouble in the tongue, gums, lips, inner cheeks, upper part of the mouth and the whole mouth. The problem of burning in the mouth emerges suddenly which can also become serious after some time. Usually, mouth irritation cannot be detected due to which it becomes a little difficult to treat this problem. However, it is possible to avoid it by following several precautionary measures.

Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome

The following are the causes of burning sensation in the mouth which can be understood by dividing it into two parts-

Primary Causes-

When the cause of burning sensation in the mouth is not detected in a medical or laboratory examination, it is called a primary or idiopathic (abrupt disease of unknown cause) mouth irritation. According to some studies, the problem of burning in the mouth is also related to the problem of taste and sensory nerves of the brain or spinal cord (Peripheral or Central Nervous System).

Secondary Causes-

Burning in the mouth occurs due to other problems. For example, it may be due to nutritional deficiency such as lack of iron, zinc, vitamin B-9, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 in the body.

 

Other causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome are-

●       Hormonal changes.

●       Stress, anxiety or depression.

●       Immune system problems.

●       Damage to the nerves that control taste or pain.

●       Reactions to certain types of toothpastes or mouthwashes.

●       Allergic to poorly fitted dentures or materials used to manufacture teeth.

 

Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome

In general, a burning sensation in the tongue is felt when there is a problem of burning in the mouth which is sometimes felt in the lips, gums, palate, throat or even the whole mouth. The symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome are-

●       Dry mouth.

●       Redness of mouth.

●       Blisters on the lips and mouth.

●       White spots on the side of the mouth.

●       Burning sensation when you put anything in the mouth.

●       Stinging while eating.

●       Loss of taste of food.

 

Risk factors of Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Mouth irritation is not a common problem but the following people may be at risk of exposure to it-
• Women who have reached menopause.
• Have had any dental treatment before.
• Allergies from certain food items.
• Infection in the upper part of the respiratory tract.
• There must have been some incident in life that has shocked the person.

 

Treatment and Diagnosis of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Allergy Test -

Allergy test is done so that it can be found out whether the patient is allergic to any food item or denture.

Blood test-

Blood tests reveal the levels of various components of the blood, glucose levels, thyroid, nutritional factors, and the status of the immune system. This helps to recognise if the problem occurs due to deficiency of nutrients.

Saliva test-

Dry mouth occurs when there is a burning sensation in the mouth. Therefore, the examination of saliva shows if the production of saliva in the mouth has not reduced.

Biopsy -

In this, by taking out the skin of the mouth and examining it, it can be known that the patient does not have fungal, bacterial or viral infection.

Testing for gastric reflux-

This test shows whether the stomach acid of the patient is not coming into the esophagus, that is, he does not have GERD.

Mood check-

Some questionnaires are given so that from the patient's answer it can be ascertained whether he has depression, anxiety or any other mental problem.

 

Remedies to prevent Burning Mouth Syndrome

 

Fulfill the deficiency of nutrients-

According to doctors, this syndrome occurs mostly due to lack of nutrients in the body like vitamin B6, B12, B1 etc. People with iron deficiency also have a problem of burning in the mouth. In such a situation, eat foods which can fulfill this deficiency. These foods include curd, milk, soy, cheese, pistachios, beans etc. Apart from this, eating some multivitamin supplements is also beneficial in this problem.

Say no to tobacco-

Consuming tobacco products causes the mouth to peel from the inside due to which there is a burning sensation in the mouth after eating anything. People who are consuming tobacco and pan masala etc. for a long time are usually prone to this. Consuming tobacco for a long time causes sores in the mouth due to which there is more irritation in the mouth. Therefore, this problem can be avoided by quitting tobacco.

Take a balanced diet-

A balanced diet having vitamin B complex and iron provides relief in the problem of burning in the mouth. Adopting a healthy lifestyle does not cause problems like stress which is an important cause of burning in the mouth. Thus, adopting a healthy lifestyle relieves stress and helps to get rid of irritation/burning of the mouth.

Drink plenty of water-

Drink as much water as you can. This removes the risk of infection. Apart from this, by drinking water, the heat of the stomach is removed and saliva production increases. Due to excessive production of saliva, the mouth does not dry out and the problem of burning in the mouth is relieved.

Avoid alcohol-

Alcohol generates heat in the body due to which the problem of burning in the mouth can increase further. Therefore, it is beneficial not to consume alcohol when there is a burning sensation in the mouth.

Don't stress-

Anxiety, stress and depression are also one of the main reasons for the problem of burning in the mouth. So to avoid this, keep stress and anxiety away from yourself.

Avoid spicy food-

Avoid food that is spicy because such food also causes burning in the mouth. Burning mouth syndrome is a painful disorder. There is a severe burning sensation in the mouth after eating anything in it. Therefore, if you see its symptoms, you should definitely contact the doctor.