Burning Mouth Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Burning mouth syndrome refers to a persistent or recurring burning sensation in the mouth that lacks an identifiable cause.

This uncomfortable feeling may affect the tongue, gums, lips, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, or widespread areas throughout the oral cavity.

Many patients describe the discomfort as intense—similar to the pain experienced after scalding the mouth with an extremely hot beverage.

The onset of burning mouth syndrome can be either sudden or gradual, developing over an extended period. In many cases, healthcare providers cannot determine a specific cause, which can make treatment challenging.

Despite this difficulty, working collaboratively with healthcare professionals typically helps reduce symptoms and manage the condition effectively.

Signs and Feelings

Burning mouth syndrome can cause several uncomfortable feelings in your mouth. These may include:

  • Burning or scalding sensation that often affects the tongue but may also appear on the lips, gums, roof of the mouth, throat, or throughout the entire mouth/
  • Dry mouth feelings with increased thirst
  • Altered taste, such as bitter or metallic flavors
  • Loss of taste abilities
  • Tingling, stinging, or numbness in the mouth area

The discomfort patterns can vary. Some people feel little pain when they wake up, but it gets worse during the day. Others experience pain as soon as they wake up that continues all day. Some have pain that comes and goes.

This condition may last for months or years. In rare cases, symptoms might suddenly improve or happen less often. Some people find brief relief when eating or drinking.

Interestingly, burning mouth syndrome usually doesn’t cause any visible changes to your tongue or mouth.

When to Get Medical Help

If you feel burning, soreness, or discomfort in your tongue, lips, gums, or other mouth areas, it’s important to see your healthcare provider or dentist. Don’t wait if these symptoms are affecting your daily life.

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome

When doctors look at burning mouth syndrome, they group the causes into two main types. Understanding these types helps both doctors and patients find the right treatment.

Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome

This type occurs when doctors cannot find a clear cause for the burning feeling. Scientists think it may be linked to problems with the nerves that control taste and pain sensations in your mouth.

These nerve issues might make normal sensations feel painful or cause burning feelings when nothing is wrong.

Secondary Burning Mouth Syndrome

This type happens when another health problem causes the burning sensation. Several conditions can lead to secondary burning mouth syndrome:

Dry Mouth Causes:

  • Certain medications
  • Health problems affecting saliva production
  • Side effects from cancer treatments

Mouth Conditions:

  • Fungal infections like thrush
  • Inflammatory conditions such as oral lichen planus
  • Geographic tongue (gives tongue a map-like appearance)

Nutritional Issues:

  • Lack of important vitamins, including:
    • B vitamins (B-1, B-2, B-6, B-9, B-12)
    • Iron
    • Zinc

Other Common Triggers:

  • Food allergies or sensitivities to flavorings and additives
  • Reactions to dental materials or mouth products
  • Stomach acid reflux entering the mouth
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Harmful mouth habits (tongue pushing, teeth grinding)
  • Diabetes or thyroid problems
  • Excessive mouth irritation from harsh brushing or mouthwashes
  • Poorly fitting dentures

Risk Factors

Burning mouth syndrome is not common. Women, especially those going through perimenopause or who are postmenopausal, face higher risks. People over 50 and smokers are also more likely to develop this condition.

Several factors may increase your chance of getting burning mouth syndrome:

  • Recent illnesses
  • Chronic conditions (fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune disorders, neuropathy)
  • Dental procedures
  • Food allergies
  • Certain medications
  • Stressful life events
  • Anxiety and depression

The condition often appears suddenly without clear causes.

Complications

Burning mouth syndrome can lead to several difficulties for patients. The discomfort may interfere with sleep patterns, making it hard to fall asleep at night. Some people also struggle with eating due to the persistent burning sensation.

When symptoms continue for a long time, mental health issues may develop. Patients might experience anxiety or depression related to their ongoing discomfort. These psychological effects can further impact quality of life.

Prevention

While there is no proven way to prevent burning mouth syndrome, you can take steps to reduce discomfort.

Avoid tobacco products and limit your intake of acidic or spicy foods. Cutting out carbonated drinks may also help.

Stress management techniques can be beneficial in managing symptoms.

These might include:

  • Regular exercise
  • Meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Adequate sleep

These measures won’t necessarily prevent the condition, but they may help keep your symptoms from worsening over time.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.