Burning Mouth Syndrome

BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME

• This is a common condition
• It is not inherited
• It cannot be passed from one person to another

The burning is very real to the individual with the problem and this-can be extremely unpleasant. The causes are not fully understood but may involve nerve hypersensitivity

• A number of different factors can contribute to the burning sensations including;
• Denture problems;
• Tongue thrusting habit;
• diabetes;
• Vitamin or iron deficiencies;
• Thyroid problems;
• Parkinson's disease; and rarely
• Some prescribed medicines;

The burning sensations can be especially bad in patients who are anxious. It is not unusual for patients with this condition to be concerned that they have cancer.

The majority of patients who have burning mouth syndrome do not have a serious underlying cause for the burning.

Accordingly, for most patients this condition is a nuisance and not associated with anything serious.

It is usual to have blood tests taken to look for factors that are known to contribute to burning;

There is no cure for burning mouth syndrome;

• In some patients the burning will resolve spontaneously, although this can take some time;
• There are no long-term consequences with this condition.
• Some patients benefit from adjustments to their dentures;
• There are a number of treatments that can help control the unpleasant sensations:
• Alpha lipoic acid 200mg taken three times a day can be very useful:
• This is not a drug but a product that can be bought from health food shops;
• It is safe to use and is not associated with significant side effects,
• A number of different prescribed medicines may be helpful.