Causes:
Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies of iron, folate and vitamin B complex have been associated with a burning sensation in the mouth. As a result, some treatment approaches have included supplements of B vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron.
Dry Mouth (xerostomia): Medications, Sjogren’s Syndrome and any other number of causes can lead to dry mouth and it’s related burning sensation.
Oral Candidiasis (Oral Thrush): A symptom of this oral fungal infection is a burning sensation in the mouth, particularly when consuming acidic or spicy foods, or when the cottage-cheese like lesions are scraped from the inside of the mouth.
Diabetes: Diabetics are more susceptible to oral infections (including oral thrush) that produce burning mouth sensations. Additionally, diabetics are prone to vascular changes that affect the small blood vessels in the mouth, creating a lower threshold of pain. A better control of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients may prevent onset or help improve symptoms of burning mouth.
Menopause: Hormonal changes have been associated with burning sensation in the mouth in middle aged women. Burning mouth is among the most common oral manifestations of menopause. However, hormone replacement therapy has only been effective in relieving burning mouth symptoms in certain patients.
Protein Causing Migraine Pain may also cause Orofacial and Burning Mouth Pain: The protein that triggers migraine pain by causing the blood vessels in the brainstem to dilate and release inflammatory substances is being examined in order to relieve the pain associated with oral facial disorders. These include trigeminal neuropathies associated with burning mouth syndrome and incidences of electric shock-like pain in the lips, tongue and jaw.
Treatment:
- Have your physician run tests to rule out systemic ailments or deficiencies
- Stop using mouthwash containing alcohol
- Stop using toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate
- Chew sugarless gum, preferably sweetened with xylitol
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Use baking soda and water when brushing your teeth
- Refrain from drinking beverages with high acidity (fruit juices, coffee, soft drinks)
- Abstain from tobacco use
- Sip water or suck on ice chips