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Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) describes a condition where a burning pain is present in the mouth for several days or months. The central or peripheral nervous system's taste and sensory nerves may be the source of primary BMS. Secondary BMS is when the root cause is an underlying medical condition such as dry mouth, nutritional deficiencies, dentures, allergic reactions, or psychological factors like anxiety or depression.

Detecting BMS can be difficult as well. Furthermore, one of the many causes of this illness is that patients frequently lack an oral health issue that a dentist or doctor might detect during an examination.

Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome

The most common cause is dry mouth, which can be caused by medications, salivary gland problems, cancer treatments, and certain systemic diseases. Other possible causes include nutritional deficiencies (especially in iron, zinc, or vitamin B12), dentures that don't fit properly, contact allergies to dental materials, psychological conditions such as anxiety or depression, and menopause. In some cases, the exact cause of burning mouth syndrome cannot be determined.

Detection of BMS

Burning mouth syndrome is often first noticed when other oral health problems have been ruled out by a dentist or doctor. A detailed medical and dental history will be taken along with a physical examination of the head and neck area. In some cases, special tests such as blood work or allergy testing may be needed to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

Treatment for BMS

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating burning mouth syndrome. In many cases, the best thing that can be done is to manage the symptoms until they go away on their own. This may involve using artificial saliva substitutes, taking measures to increase saliva production (such as sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing gum), avoiding foods and beverages that make the symptoms worse, and practicing good oral hygiene. If an underlying cause is identified, treating that condition may help relieve the burning mouth syndrome symptoms. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help relieve the pain.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing burning pain in your mouth that lasts for several days or longer, you may have burning mouth syndrome. This condition can be difficult to detect and even more difficult to treat due to its many potential causes. If you think you may have BMS, see your dentist or doctor for an evaluation so that they can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help you find relief.

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