What Can You Do about Your Burning Mouth?
Posted on 10/1/2024 by Dental Care of Burlington |
 Do you often experience a burning sensation in your mouth that doesn't seem to go away? You're not alone. This condition, known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), affects many people, causing discomfort and frustration. While the exact cause of BMS remains unknown, there are several things you can do to manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.
Understanding Burning Mouth Syndrome
BMS is characterized by a burning or scalding sensation in the mouth, usually on the tongue, but sometimes extending to the gums, palate, and lips. The burning can be constant or intermittent, and it may be accompanied by dryness, tingling, or altered taste perception. While BMS isn't typically harmful, it can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to eat, speak, and sleep.
Potential Causes and Contributing Factors
Researchers are still unraveling the mystery behind BMS, but several factors are believed to play a role:
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Underlying medical conditions: BMS can be associated with conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and vitamin deficiencies. |
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Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and high blood pressure drugs, can list BMS as a side effect. |
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Oral health issues: Poor oral hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, and dental infections can contribute to BMS. |
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Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress can exacerbate symptoms. |
Effective Strategies for Managing BMS
If you experience burning mouth symptoms, it's important to consult your dentist or doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once other causes are eliminated, you can focus on managing the symptoms through various strategies:
Oral care:
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Maintain meticulous oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and rinse with a gentle mouthwash. |
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Avoid irritants: Limit your intake of spicy foods, acidic beverages, alcohol, and tobacco, as these can worsen burning sensations. |
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Use lubricating products: Over-the-counter saliva substitutes or oral gels can help relieve dryness and discomfort. |
Dietary modifications:
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Increase your intake of water: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining oral health and alleviating dryness. |
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Incorporate vitamin B-rich foods: Include foods rich in B vitamins, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and lean protein, in your diet, as deficiencies can contribute to BMS. |
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Consider a low-acid diet: Reducing acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes may help minimize irritation. |
Lifestyle adjustments:
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Manage stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. |
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Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to promote overall well-being. |
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Quit smoking: Smoking is a major irritant to the oral cavity and can worsen BMS symptoms. |
Restorative dentistry:
In some cases, BMS may be related to dental issues like ill-fitting dentures or damaged fillings. Your dentist may recommend restorative dentistry procedures to address these problems and improve your oral health.
Seeking Professional Help
If self-management strategies don't provide sufficient relief, consulting your dentist or doctor is essential. They may prescribe medications like antidepressants or anticonvulsants to help control the burning sensation.
Remember, you're not alone in dealing with BMS. By understanding the condition, implementing self-care strategies, and seeking professional help when needed, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
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