We all know what it’s like to burn your tongue on hot soup or some other beverage. Now imagine living with that feeling constantly, day in and day out, for months or even years. Burning mouth syndrome is a condition that feels as though you’ve just scalded your tongue, gums, lips and the inside of your cheeks. While there are no visible symptoms, the burning sensation is all too real for people who suffer from this condition. Although we don’t know everything there is to know about burning mouth syndrome, we do know that it is related to diabetes, and that postmenopausal women are more susceptible to developing it. We also know a few common causes for it and how to treat the condition.
What Can Cause Burning Mouth Syndrome
Any of the following are possible causes of burning mouth syndrome:
- Changes in hormone levels
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Improperly fitting dentures
- Fungal infections in the mouth
- Damage to the nerves involved in taste
- Acid reflux
- Depression and anxiety
Burning Mouth Syndrome and Diabetes
Research has shown that people with diabetes are much more likely to develop certain oral infections, primarily due to the types of medications that are prescribed for diabetes. Often, these medicines cause dry mouth, which makes the mouth more susceptible to infection, and they can also bring about vascular changes in the mouth which can lower a patient’s pain threshold. For this reason, one of the most effective treatments for burning mouth syndrome in diabetics is to effectively treat diabetes itself.
Treatments for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Whether you feel a burning sensation in your mouth constantly or just intermittently, it’s still a painful condition. Fortunately, there are some treatments that have proven to be effective in combatting the symptoms, including the following:
- Treating existing conditions that may make you more likely to develop the condition; diabetes in particular
- Replacing ill-fitting dentures with prosthetics that are comfortable and don’t irritate the mouth
- Correcting nutritional deficiencies with a proper diet and supplements
- Taking medication to treat dry mouth and nerve damage
- Taking medication to alleviate depression and anxiety
Other methods can help to ease the discomfort of burning mouth syndrome, albeit most offer only temporary relief:
- Sucking on ice
- Chewing sugarless gum
- Sipping cold water
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products
If you suffer from burning mouth syndrome, talk to your dentist about ways to alleviate the symptoms. Although this condition can be painful, there are ways to reduce the pain and discomfort, so that you can return to living a normal life.
