Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome is common in older men experiencing Andropause, women undergoing various stages of menopause, and individuals who habitually chew on toothpicks, bite the inside of their cheek, or thrust their tongue against their teeth. It's not contagious unless caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which is unlikely unless accompanied by a white coating of the tongue or mouth sores.

 

Burning Mouth Syndrome and Burning Tongue Syndrome are distinct conditions. BTS is a term used when some other cause of your burning tongue has been established, such as Geographic Tongue, caused by acidic burning from foods eaten. Geographic Tongue is a separate, sometimes painful condition. The tongue appears to be mapped because some hairs (papillae) are missing.

 

A white tongue may be associated with Thrush, a fungal overgrowth in the mouth, often causing a white film on your tongue and, sometimes, sores in the mouth or on the back and sides of your tongue. It is also different in the case of having too much stomach acid, which causes raw, painful blisters to form in your mouth.

 

 

Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome

 

The sensation of stinging or burning in the tongue or other parts of the mouth, without being burned, may or may not be related to the Herpes Simplex Virus. The feeling often subsides while eating or drinking, leading to overeating.

 

 

Possible Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome

 

  • Herpes Simplex Virus (particularly HSV-1)
  • Endocrine dysfunction (hormonal imbalances), menopause, and aging (aging affects hormones and the composition of saliva)
  • Candida, including vaginal yeast infection (Vaginitis)
  • Anemia
  • Alcohol-based products (alcoholic beverages, mouthwash, alcohol-based tinctures)
  • Mint-based products
  • Digestive disorders (indigestion and acid reflux)
  • Tooth products, including whiteners, sodium laurel phosphate (the foaming agent in toothpaste), fluoride (added to toothpaste and tap water), and peroxide (added to toothpaste and mouthwashes)
  • Certain foods and beverages, food additives, and food dyes
  • A neck injury (damage to the seventh nerve (the nerve that runs from the tip of the tongue, through the inner ear to the brain)
  • Spinal misalignment and neurological disorders causing reduced blood flow or abnormal nerve sensations (to the mouth)
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Allergies, especially chemical
  • Excessive tongue movement (70% of all cases)
  • TMJ (the 2nd most common cause)
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Menthol
  • Stress, irritability, anxiety, fear, and fear-derived depression cause the salivary glands to produce less saliva
  • pH imbalance (acidosis or alkalosis)
  • The most common cause of dry mouth is drugs. There are over 1800 drugs that can cause dry mouth and eyes. The most common medicines leading to this condition are antibiotics, high blood pressure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, lithium, allergy and pain medications, weight loss, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Diuretics can cause dehydration, another cause of dry mouth. Anything that can cause the mouth to become chronically dry can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth. 
  • Tobacco
  • Certain autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren's Disease, Hodgkin's disease, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, can cause dry mouth and eyes (and other dry areas of the body).
  • Fibromyalgia Syndrome causes dry mouth, eyes, and other dryness issues (including dry airways, intestines, and vaginal dryness).
  • Radiation and chemotherapy (Cancer can be either the cause or result of Burning Mouth Syndrome)
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • When you stop eating tough foods (like celery, meat, raw carrots, and nuts) and are chewing less than you used to, your salivary glands decrease in size, producing less lubrication. As you age, you may lean towards eating gentler foods, which can lead to reduced saliva production, although not to the extent that it should be a noticeable problem.
  • Hot beverages can leave the nerves of the mouth unsettled when hot enough to burn. Drink not-quite-so-hot beverages.
  • Tea leaves (greens, whites, and some florals) brewed in water that's too hot can cause the tea to become too acidic, which can lead to a dry mouth or worsen existing dry mouth. 

 

 

Spiritual/Psychological Cause of Burning Mouth Syndrome: The inability to taste (experience) the joy of life.

 

 

Dental Work

 

Dr. Miriam Grushka, an associate professor of dentistry at Case Western Reserve University, discovered a relationship between Burning Mouth Syndrome and certain connective tissue disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and Lupus. She is concerned that some dental procedures could impact the mouth, leading to phantom pain. Damage to the 7th nerve (the nerve at the tip of the tongue) can cause Burning Mouth Syndrome.

 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) can cause headaches and clicking or popping of the jaw hinges. Sometimes, the jaw can become stuck in an open position. For example, if you have TMJ, you may experience difficulty biting into apples, which can also cause trouble opening or closing your mouth as usual. This trouble with the jaw can begin after holding your mouth open for long periods in the dental chair. TMJ can cause Burning Mouth Syndrome because it affects the muscles and nerves in your head and neck. You may want to consult your dentist if you suspect this may be a problem. Chiropractors can also help with TMJ. TMJ may also be a cause of Tinnitus.  

 

 

Pain Phantoms

 

Dr. Linda Bartoshuk, an experimental psychologist at Yale Medical School, believes persons suffering from Burning Mouth Syndrome are experiencing pain phantoms, much like someone who has had a limb removed. She says that our sense of taste naturally inhibits pain from the tongue. When taste buds are damaged and dysfunctional, the brain gets a false message, thinking it has received a message of pain from the tongue. A metallic taste in the mouth, often associated with Burning Mouth Syndrome, can result from damaged nerves. The brain creates this sense of taste, much like an amputee still feels a missing limb.

 

 

Menopause or Hormonal Imbalances

 

The onset of Burning Mouth Syndrome is frequently reported to occur two years before and up to six years after menopause. Menopause, Andropause (male menopause), and other hormonal imbalances are common denominators for most people with Burning Mouth Syndrome, suggesting that hormones play a role in Burning Mouth Syndrome. Hormones affect the composition of your saliva, which is why they are often tested through saliva samples. Still, doctors believe another factor must be involved other than decreased hormone levels.

 

 

What Doctors are Doing

 

Doctors are prescribing Clonazepam (an anticonvulsant) for Burning Mouth Syndrome. Symptoms typically disappear within 24 hours in up to 70% of individuals. This medication may offer relief, but the side effects may not be worth it. Clonazepam is also used for treating Tinnitus (ringing in the ears). 

 

 

What to Avoid, Stop & Eliminate When You Have BMS

 

  • Avoid alcohol-based products, such as mouth rinses, sprays, and cough syrups, as well as cigarette smoke, cinnamon, peppermint, sorbic acid, benzoic acid (a preservative), and propylene glycol, a moisturizing agent commonly found in food, drugs, and cosmetics.

 

  • Avoid inhaling chemicals (paint thinner, chlorine, pesticides, mothballs). Sensitivity to these things can cause Burning Mouth Syndrome.

 

  • Avoid consuming too many acidic drinks (soft drinks, black tea, citrus juice). 

 

  • Avoid dehydration. Don't rely on feeling thirsty. The sensation of thirst shuts off when your body knows you are not paying attention to the signal. Sip water while you are eating. Saliva acts as a lubricant, but sipping water also helps wash down your food.

 

  • Avoid holding things with your teeth (such as glasses, pens, and pencils), as this can cause tension in your face, jaw, and throat muscles, irritating delicate nerves.

 

  • Avoid salty foods for at least two weeks. Salt on the tongue from salty snacks or foods (such as chips and pretzels) can irritate the mouth and tongue, potentially causing Burning Mouth Syndrome and Dry Mouth Syndrome. Add them back into your diet and check for a reaction. Also, use natural sea salt (the salt your body requires) rather than ordinary table salt, which is worthless and harmful.

 

  • Stop thrusting your tongue. Approximately 70% of all Burning Mouth Syndrome cases are caused by tongue thrusting. What you are feeling may be referred pain from the muscles in the tongue and throat. Try not to play with your teeth or gums with your tongue. Just as some people thrust their tongue against their teeth, others grind their teeth or clench their jaw in stress.

 

  • Stop leaning on your elbow. When you lean on your elbow and support your face against your hand, it stretches the muscles under your jaw, causing muscle fatigue and tension. This tension can cause nerves to be irritated, leading to a burning sensation in the throat, mouth, and tongue.

 

  • Eliminate fluoride and tooth whitening toothpaste from your medicine cabinet. Avoiding toothpaste altogether when you have Burning Mouth Syndrome can be beneficial. Use an all-natural paste, such as Tom's of Maine Sodium Laurel Phosphate Free Toothpaste, or use baking soda or coconut oil (or a combination of both). Don't brush your gums too hard with baking soda. It can cause gum irritation.

Holistic Alternatives for Burning Mouth Syndrome

  • Brush your teeth and your tongue more often. Use a combination of sea salt and baking soda to form toothpaste.

 

  • While chewing on ice can alleviate burning sensations for a time, doing so too often may cause TMJ. 

 

  • Floss regularly, every day, after eating.

 

  • Try an over-the-counter natural saliva solution. It is a solution that is like natural tears for the eyes.

 

  • You might consider allergy testing. Allergies to foods, chemicals, and additives may also cause symptoms of dryness. The drawback is that these tests aren't always reliable. SpectraCell is a reputable online source for nutritional testing.

 

  • Chiropractic adjustment may help if you also have a stiff neck. Follow the suggestions for chronic pain.  

 

  • Remove your dentures and partial dentures while you are sleeping. If they don't fit well, try to get them refitted so you won't be playing with them with your teeth or irritating your tongue.

 

  • Do you experience a metallic taste in your mouth? This symptom is commonly shared with many types of mouth pain. You may be allergic to some of your dental materials or have Gingivitis. It may also be your brain assigning a flavor to damaged taste buds due to damage to the seventh nerve, which runs from the tip of your tongue through your inner ear to your brain, as mentioned earlier. Consider consulting your dentist or doctor about these matters.

 

  • Maintain proper posture. Slouching causes your next movement to extend out, which can lead to strain in the neck muscles and potentially transfer pain to the tongue. Bad posture is also related to feeling burdened and hopeless about changing things. For example, bike riding is healthy, but holding your chin out in front of you for longer than a minute or two can pull on sensitive nerves in the jaw area.

 

  • Find ways to reduce physical stress. 

 

  • Suck on a natural sore throat drop, such as Ricola. It will numb your tongue for a while, allowing you to distract yourself from the discomfort. NEVER use anything containing menthol or peppermint. 

 

  • Chew sugar-free gum.

 

  • Massage the underside of your jaw, especially under your chin and further back, working the massage in and around your throat. Sometimes, doing this will relieve the burning instantly. 

 

 

Supplements for Burning Mouth Syndrome

 

I advocate getting your vitamins from your food, but sometimes, supplements can be helpful.

 

  • The #1 supplement for Burning Mouth Syndrome is alpha lipoic acid (take as directed on the label).
  • Vitamin B complex - 50 mg 3 times daily
  • Vitamin C with bioflavonoids - 1000 mg daily
  • Vitamin A - No more than 8,000 IU daily (avoid during pregnancy)
  • Vitamin E with mixed tocopherols - 400 mg daily
  • Folic acid - 800 mcg daily (if you have the MTHFR Gene Mutation, take methyl folate instead) with B-12 and vitamin C
  • Take 20-30 drops of echinacea extract three times daily for pain. It has a numbing effect on the tongue.

 

 

You might also try:

 

  • Iron - 60 mg daily (only with your doctor's permission and not if you are menopausal)
  • B-12 - 1,000 mcg dissolved under the tongue daily for as long as needed. If using for more than 7 days, supplement with Folic Acid as well. Take methyl folate if you have the MTHFR Gene Mutation.
  • Zinc - 50 mg daily