Is Burning Mouth Syndrome Dangerous?
Introduction
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a condition characterised by a recurring or persistent burning sensation in the mouth, often without an obvious cause. It typically affects the tongue, lips, or roof of the mouth and can vary in intensity. People who experience BMS often worry about its potential dangers, as the pain and discomfort can be severe and unexplained.
While BMS is not life-threatening, its symptoms can significantly affect daily activities, leading to difficulties with eating, speaking, and even sleeping. This ongoing discomfort can also take a psychological toll, contributing to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Though not directly harmful to physical health, BMS can lead to significant emotional distress, making it a challenging condition to manage. This article will explore the causes of BMS, its symptoms, available treatments, and ways to cope with the condition. Understanding these aspects can help individuals better manage the condition and reduce the impact on their daily lives.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Comprehensive Understanding
What is BMS?
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) refers to the painful condition which is characterised by recurring or persistent tingling, burning, and scalding sensations in the mouth. Often accompanied by an altered taste or dry mouth, BMS affects mainly the roof of the mouth, lips, gums, and tongue. It can be either chronic or intermittent.
BMS Symptoms
Some common symptoms characterising BMS include:
- A scalding or burning sensation affecting your tongue, gums, lips, throat, roof, or the entire mouth
- Dry mouth with an increased feeling of thirst
- Changes of taste in the mouth, like you keep getting a metallic or bitter taste all the time
- Loss of taste
- A stinging or tingling sensation, or complete numbness in the mouth
The discomfort caused by burning mouth syndrome may occur in different patterns. It can:
- Occur every day, starting with slight discomfort while you wake up and get worse as the day goes on
- Begin in a worse condition as soon as you wake up, and continue throughout the day
- Symptoms may come and go
Whatever might the pattern be, BMS always lasts up to several months to even years in severe cases.
Primary BMS vs. Secondary BMS
Primary BMS: Where there is no identifiable cause, it is referred to as primary BMS. Burning mouth might be a symptom of some illness. Moreover, experts believe that damage of nerves controlling taste and pain might lead to BMS. Doctor might recommend the following tests for an accurate diagnosis:
- Oral swab
- Salivary flow test
- Allergy test
- Blood test
Secondary BMS: On the contrary, there is a clear and identifiable cause of secondary BMS. It might be cured by treating the underlying medical problem. Possible reasons include:
- Psychological problems like stress or depression
- Allergies to some foods or dental materials
- Certain medicines
- Mouth infection
- Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism or diabetes
- Acid reflux
- Nutritional deficiency like zinc, iron, or vitamin B
- Dry mouth
- Oral habits like jaw clenching or tooth grinding
Who are more at risk?
Although BMS is quite rare, following factors might pose greater risks for you:
- Being female
- For perimenopause or post-menopause
- If you are above 50 years
- Smoking habits
- Long term medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, autoimmune disorders, or fibromyalgia
- Some recent illness
- Allergic towards some foods
- Former dental works
- Certain medications
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
Is BMS dangerous?
Although burning mouth syndrome (BMS) does not pose life threats, its symptoms might interfere with the quality of life in most individuals. It produces constant discomfort, leading to emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.
You might also face physical challenges like difficulty in speaking or eating. So BMS can disrupt your daily activities, influencing your mental and physical wellbeing. Effective management is crucial for alleviating symptoms and improving overall life satisfaction.
Long term BMS might result in chronic pain, making it difficult for you to speak, eat, or perform daily activities properly. Persistent discomfort might also cause your loss of appetite, resulting in lack of nutrition and eventual weight loss.
Which continuous pain and frustration are responsible for depression and psychological distress, it ultimately leads to social isolation. Remember that untreated BMS can impact your emotional health and overall quality of life.
Your daily speaking and eating would get increasingly uncomfortable and painful with the worsening of BMS. The constant sensation of burning makes it tough for you to chew or swallow food, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Discomfort in the mouth or pain during sleep not only makes speaking difficult, but leads to insomnia at the same time due to poor quality of rest. All these end up affecting work and social interactions.
When it comes to the psychological toll of BMS, the persistent pain is known to elevate anxiety, depression, and stress levels. It will lead to a feeling of isolation, frustration, and helplessness, ending up interfering with daily life.
The emotional strain, physical hazard, constant struggle to cope with the chronic pain – all these underscores the need of comprehensive mental care.
Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome
Nerve damage or dysfunction
Damage or dysfunction of nerves, commonly known as neuropathic causes, is primarily known to cause BMS. Malfunction or damage of nerves regulating temperature or sensing pain the mouth often leads to BMS. Conditions like nerve injury, diabetes, or some disruption in nerve signalling is known to cause some abnormal sensations like numbness, tingling, or burning. It produces persistent discomfort without any identifiable cause.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal irregularities, especially those related to menopause, are commonly known to cause BMS. Reduction in oestrogen levels impact oral health and nerve function during menopause, causing burning sensations in the mouth.
An altered taste, dry mouth, or increased sensitivity may also occur in menopausal women, adding to the discomfort. Such hormonal changes further trigger BMS, particularly in older females.
Nutritional deficiencies
Deficiencies in nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, or iron lead to BMS. All these nutrients are vital for nerve function, their deficiency resulting in nerve damage. It produces tingling and burning sensations in the mouth. Lack of these essential nutrients interferes with the healing of oral tissues, aggravating the BMS symptoms further. Proper nutrition can help prevent this condition.
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is known to cause insufficient saliva production. Certain medical conditions or ongoing medications might also lead to dry mouth. It creates a lack of moisture within the mouth, producing discomfort and a burning sensation and creating difficulty in speaking or swallowing.
Remember that certain medication like antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, or some autoimmune disorders can all be responsible for reduced saliva flow. This ultimately ends in BMS.
Allergies and irritants
Some individuals may be allergic to certain irritants like toothpaste ingredients, alcohol based mouthwashes, spicy or acidic foods which trigger or make your BMS worse. The sensitive tissues within your mouth are often irritated by such substances, producing a burning sensation and inflammation. BMS is known to produce more discomfort in individuals who are highly sensitive or allergic to specific substances. In order to manage your BMS and improve oral comfort, you should avoid such irritants.
Underlying medical conditions
Some underlying medical conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), diabetes, or fungal infections may cause BMS. Diabetes leads to nerve damage, which in turn produces abnormal sensations in the mouth.
GERD causes acid reflux, irritates mouth and throat, and fungal infections like oral thrush can cause changes in taste, discomfort, and a feeling of burning in the mouth. BMS symptoms can be further triggered by such conditions; effective management is essential to deal with such discomfort.
Psychological stress and anxiety
BMS might occur and worsen from anxiety and psychological stress. These are known to trigger nerve related changes, resulting in increased pain and sensitivity in the mouth. On the contrary, stress and anxiety can also occur from BMS itself, forming a cycle of physical and emotional distress. Certain therapies or relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing stress, improving your wellbeing and alleviating BMS symptoms as well.
Treatment Options for BMS
Medical Treatments
Prescription medications: Prescription medications, such as antidepressants, can help manage BMS by addressing underlying nerve dysfunction or psychological factors like anxiety and depression. These medications may alleviate pain, reduce discomfort, and improve overall emotional wellbeing in affected individuals.
Antidepressants and anxiolytics: Antidepressants and anxiolytics can be effective in treating BMS by managing anxiety, stress, or depression, which may contribute to the condition. These medications help regulate mood, reduce discomfort, and improve overall emotional wellbeing, offering symptom relief.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for BMS in menopausal women. By restoring oestrogen levels, it may help alleviate symptoms like burning sensations, dry mouth, and altered taste, improving oral comfort and overall quality of life.
Saliva substitutes: Saliva substitutes are designed to relieve dry mouth, a common symptom of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). These products help lubricate the mouth, improve comfort, and stimulate saliva flow, reducing the burning sensation and improving oral health and function.
Treatment for underlying conditions: Treating underlying conditions, such as acid reflux with medications or fungal infections with antifungal, can help manage BMS. Addressing these root causes reduces irritation, improves oral health, and alleviates symptoms, providing relief from burning sensations.
Nutritional supplements: Nutritional supplements, such as vitamins B12, iron, folic acid, and zinc, can help address deficiencies that contribute to BMS. These supplements support nerve function, improve oral health, and alleviate symptoms by correcting imbalances in essential nutrients.
Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Modifications
Dietary changes: Most people notice how certain foods can cause their BMS symptoms to get worse. It is best to avoid or limit consumption of such items. For example, you should refrain from acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes, and also avoid spicy foods. Also cut down on alcohol consumption, or even products containing alcohol. You must also strictly avoid acidic drinks like sodas, coffee, or citrus juices.
Hydration: While you eat or drink, there are chances that your BMS pain might improve a little. You must drink plenty of water or some other fluid throughout the day to alleviate the BMS symptoms. Sucking ice chips can also help at times. This will also minimise the sensation of dryness in your mouth and keep it moist throughout the day. It also helps mask bad tastes temporarily.
Stress management: The connection between BMS and mental health conditions is evident from factors like emption distress, anxiety, or depression. Depression plays a crucial role in altering the perception of pain. However, BMS itself could be quite stressful leading to distress in people.
It is necessary to be self-compassionate and minimise stress as much as possible in such cases. People experiencing persistent anxiety, stress, or low must consult a therapist or a doctor at once.
Quit smoking: Smoking tobacco often irritates the delicate skin within the mouth. So cutting down on products like nicotine or tobacco can help avoid the risks of BMS.
Oral care tips: Certain products for oral health including mouthwashes and toothpastes might produce irritation in the lining of the mouth. People having BMS might benefit avoiding such irritants can which worsen your BMS symptoms. You can go for unflavoured toothpastes suitable for sensitive mouth, avoid scrubbing your tongue, or avoid mouthwash containing alcohol.
Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment Cost
The cost of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) treatment can vary depending on the type of care required and individual needs. A breakdown of treatment costs includes:
- Doctor consultations: The cost of seeing a healthcare professional for BMS diagnosis and management ranges from £200 to £300 per visit. The frequency of consultations may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and follow-up care needed.
- Medications: Prescription medications, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, or acid reflux drugs, can range from £30 to $150 per month. The price depends on the medication prescribed and whether generic or brand-name options are used.
- Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), acupuncture, or other alternative treatments for managing stress and anxiety may cost anywhere from £40 to £100 per session. The number of sessions required varies depending on individual progress.
- Nutritional supplements: To address deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, supplements like B12, iron, and zinc can cost between £5 and £15 per month.
- Home remedies and lifestyle changes: Low cost, effective options like using saliva substitutes, adjusting diet, or practicing relaxation techniques may provide relief without significant financial investment.
Overall, treatment costs for BMS can range widely, and individuals may choose a combination of approaches to manage their symptoms effectively.
Can BMS go away on its own?
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) may sometimes improve or go away on its own, but this is not guaranteed. In many cases, BMS requires treatment to manage symptoms. Early intervention is important to reduce discomfort and improve long term outcomes.
Is BMS linked to oral cancer?
No, Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is not directly linked to oral cancer. While both conditions involve the mouth, BMS is a sensory disorder, whereas oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth. However, a proper diagnosis is essential to rule out cancer.
Can stress cause BMS?
Yes, stress can contribute to Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). It may trigger or worsen symptoms by affecting nerve function and increasing sensitivity in the mouth. Stress and anxiety can create a cycle, making it harder to manage BMS effectively.
What foods should I avoid if I have BMS?
If you have Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), avoid spicy, acidic, or citrus foods, as they can irritate the mouth. Additionally, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary or overly salty foods, as they may worsen dryness and discomfort in the mouth.
Are there home remedies for BMS?
Yes, several home remedies can help manage BMS symptoms. These include using saliva substitutes, staying hydrated, avoiding irritants like spicy foods, and practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or relaxation exercises. Consult with a doctor for personalised advice.
Is burning mouth syndrome contagious?
No, Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is not contagious. It is a condition related to nerve dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or other underlying factors. BMS cannot be spread through contact with others, as it is not caused by an infection.
Final Thoughts
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is not a life-threatening condition but it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While it does not pose a direct risk to overall health, the persistent burning, tingling, and discomfort it causes can lead to physical and emotional distress.
The symptoms may interfere with daily activities such as eating, speaking, and sleeping, and can contribute to anxiety and depression. It is important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek medical advice promptly for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.
If you suspect you have BMS, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to rule out other potential causes and begin a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early intervention can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
If you are looking for expert consultation or guidance, our team is here to assist. We offer personalised support and treatment recommendations to help manage BMS effectively. Contact MD.co.uk today to book your appointment with one of our oral care experts.
