Your tongue or the inside of your mouth burns — every day, sometimes for months. Youve had tests and nothing obvious has been found. Burning mouth syndrome is a recognised condition even when no cause is identified.

What is burning mouth syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic pain condition characterised by a persistent burning sensation in your mouth — most often affecting your tongue, but it can also involve your lips, gums, palate, or throat. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe burning that significantly affects your daily life. What makes it particularly frustrating is that clinical examinations often appear completely normal, and standard tests may not reveal an obvious cause.

What does it feel like?

The primary symptom is a burning feeling — as if youve scalded your mouth with a hot drink. Many people also report dryness, tingling, or numbness alongside the burning. Symptoms are often mildest in the morning and tend to worsen as the day goes on. For some people, eating or drinking provides temporary relief; for others, certain foods — particularly hot, spicy, or acidic items — make the symptoms worse.

What causes it?

In some cases, a specific cause can be identified. These include nutritional deficiencies (particularly iron, zinc, and B vitamins), fungal infections such as oral thrush, certain medications, ill-fitting dentures, or parafunctional habits such as tongue thrusting. However, in many cases — particularly in postmenopausal women and older adults — no underlying cause is found. In these situations, the condition is classified as burning mouth syndrome itself, and treatment focuses on symptom management rather than addressing an underlying trigger.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions. Your dentist or doctor will examine your mouth, review your medical history, and may carry out tests for infections, deficiencies, or allergies. If no cause is found, a diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome is made. This can actually be reassuring — knowing that there is no serious underlying disease helps many patients cope better with the symptoms.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on whether a cause has been identified. If a deficiency is found, supplements may help. If a fungal infection is present, antifungal treatment resolves it. If no cause is found, management focuses on relieving symptoms. This may include saliva substitutes, special mouthwashes, topical treatments, or in some cases low-dose antidepressants or anticonvulsant medications that help with nerve pain. Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and spicy or acidic foods can also reduce irritation.

Living with burning mouth syndrome

While there is no quick fix, most people find that symptoms improve over time with the right management plan. If you are experiencing a persistent burning sensation in your mouth, speak to your dentist. They can help identify any underlying causes and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice