Do You Have Burning Mouth Syndrome?

We’ve all experienced the pain of accidentally burning our mouths on hot food or drink. Now imagine feeling that same scorched, tingling, burning sensation, yet without eating or drinking anything hot. If you find yourself dealing with this ongoing discomfort of your tongue, lips or the roof of your mouth, you may be experiencing what’s known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS).

BMS can affect several areas of the mouth — the tongue, lips, palate (the roof of the mouth) — and often occurs without any visible signs of irritation or injury. In many cases, the mouth may appear perfectly normal, leaving people frustrated and confused.

At Fortitude Valley Dentist, our aim is to help you understand BMS, explore what might be causing it, and — most importantly — find relief through a tailored plan.

What Exactly Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (sometimes called glossodynia or glossopyrosis) is a chronic pain condition where the mouth experiences burning, scalding or tingling sensations, frequently with no apparent cause and often with normal‐looking oral tissue. 

Here are some typical features:

• The tongue is most often affected, though the lips, roof of the mouth, gums or entire mouth may experience symptoms.
  
• The sensation often starts gradually and may intensify as the day progresses (many patients report feeling better on waking, then worsening by evening).
  
• Many people also report dry mouth (xerostomia) or an altered taste (metallic, bitter, sweet) alongside the burning.
• Because there are no obvious signs, BMS is often a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning other causes must be ruled out first.

In short: it’s not your imagination. And it’s not just eating something hot. It’s a real condition that deserves attention.

Who Is Most at Risk for Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) can affect anyone, but research shows that certain groups are more likely to experience this persistent, uncomfortable condition. Understanding who is at higher risk can help you recognise symptoms early and seek professional care sooner.

1. Women, Especially Post-Menopausal
   Hormonal changes play a significant role in BMS. Women, particularly those going through or after menopause, are more commonly affected. Fluctuating estrogen levels may alter nerve sensitivity in the mouth, making normal sensations feel like burning or tingling.
2. People with Nutritional Deficiencies
   Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can contribute to BMS. Low levels of vitamin B12, folate (B9), iron, or zinc may affect nerve function and oral tissue health, increasing susceptibility to burning sensations. Maintaining a balanced diet or addressing deficiencies through supplements under medical guidance can help reduce risk.
3. Individuals Experiencing Chronic Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
   Psychological factors can amplify pain perception and worsen BMS symptoms. Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression doesn’t just affect mental health — it can also impact nerve sensitivity and the way the brain interprets oral sensations. Mind-body approaches and stress management strategies can be an important part of relief.
4. Patients with Dry Mouth or Saliva Problems
   Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting oral tissues and maintaining comfort. Reduced saliva flow (xerostomia) can leave the mouth vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and burning sensations, increasing the likelihood of developing BMS. Identifying and treating the underlying cause of dry mouth is a key step in managing symptoms.
5. Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions
   Some systemic health issues are associated with higher BMS risk. These include diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions that may affect nerve function or oral health. Proper management of these conditions can help reduce or prevent BMS symptoms.

Why Knowing Your Risk Matters
Recognising whether you fall into one of these risk categories can help you take proactive steps. Early consultation with a dental or medical professional allows for a thorough evaluation, prompt treatment of any underlying conditions, and the development of a personalised plan to relieve discomfort.

Why It’s Important to Recognise

• Living with persistent burning or tingling in your mouth can impact your quality of life — eating may become less enjoyable, choosing foods may become restrictive, and the chronic discomfort can lead to anxiety or depression.
  
• Because there’s often no visible sign, some people are told “there’s nothing wrong” — which can be discouraging. Establishing a correct diagnosis is the first step towards relief.
  
• Some cases of BMS are actually secondary to other medical or dental conditions — meaning if we identify and treat the underlying issue, the burning may improve significantly.
  

Given all of the above, if you’ve been experiencing unexplained burning in your mouth for weeks or months, it’s wise to see a dentist (or medical professional) who has experience with this condition. That’s where we come in.

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?

The truth is, the causes of BMS are often complex and multifactorial. But here’s a breakdown of what current research suggests:

Primary (Idiopathic) BMS

When no underlying cause can be determined, the condition is described as primary BMS. In these cases, researchers believe the problem lies in nerve dysfunction — specifically the nerves that govern pain and taste in the mouth. N

In plain terms: your nervous system is mis-reading signals. What should feel neutral (or slightly warm) is interpreted as “burning”.

Secondary BMS

When there is a discernible cause, we call this secondary BMS. Identifying and managing the underlying cause often improves or resolves the burning sensation. Typical contributing factors include:

• Hormonal changes — especially in post-menopausal women, where lower estrogen levels may play a role in sensitivity.
  
• Nutritional deficiencies — low levels of vitamin B12, folate (B9), iron or zinc may be involved.
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) — reduced salivary flow can contribute to a burning sensation.
  
• Allergic reactions — to dental materials (e.g., metals in dentures, fillings), toothpaste or oral hygiene products.
  
• Medication side-effects — some blood-pressure drugs, antihypertensives e.g. ACE inhibitors, or other medications may play a role.
  
• Medical / systemic conditions — such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, acid-reflux (especially LPR: laryngopharyngeal reflux), autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome.
  
• Dental/oral factors — ill-fitting dentures or appliances, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, tongue thrusting.
  
• Emotional/psychological factors — stress, anxiety, depression may exacerbate or even contribute to BMS via altering pain perception.
  

So when you think about “what causes BMS?” — the answer is often “a combination of factors” rather than a single clear culprit. That’s why one person’s BMS may respond well to one set of treatments and another person’s may not.

Key Contributing Factors (Summary Table)

Signs & Symptoms: What to Watch For

When discussing BMS, it helps to recognise the typical symptoms so you can identify if what you’re experiencing might fit the pattern.

Common symptoms include:

• A persistent burning, scalding or tingling sensation in the mouth — often described as “my mouth feels like I just sipped hot coffee” even when nothing hot was consumed.
  
• The tongue is frequently affected (especially the tip or sides), though lips, palate, gums or entire mouth may be involved.
  
• Altered taste: You may notice a metallic, bitter or sweet taste when you didn’t have one before.
  
• Dry mouth sensation (even if saliva production might appear normal) or actual reduced saliva flow.
  
• The pain or burning may worsen as the day goes on, and may be better in the morning or temporarily relieved by eating/drinking.
  
• Little or no visible changes in the mouth tissues — this normal appearance sometimes causes skepticism or delay in diagnosis.
  
  

Less common / warning‐sign symptoms (that warrant more urgent investigation):

• Sudden onset of severe burning with associated swelling, ulcers or other visible lesions
  
• Significant changes in eating, drinking or weight loss due to mouth pain
  
• Signs of a serious underlying condition (e.g., bleeding, unexplained lumps, nerve involvement beyond the mouth)
  

If you’re experiencing above baseline discomfort that is persistent (weeks to months) and unexplained, it’s time to seek professional assessment rather than waiting for it to “go away on its own”

Treatment Options for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Managing Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) often requires a multifaceted approach because symptoms can be influenced by lifestyle, oral habits, nerve function, and underlying medical conditions. At Fortitude Valley Dentist, we work with patients to create a personalised plan that addresses your unique needs.

1. Lifestyle Changes

Simple adjustments to daily habits can make a noticeable difference in reducing discomfort:

• Hydration: Drinking water regularly helps keep the mouth moist and may ease burning sensations. Sugar-free gum or lozenges can also stimulate saliva production.
  

• Avoiding triggers: Spicy foods, acidic drinks, alcohol, tobacco, and very hot beverages can worsen symptoms. Identifying your personal triggers through a symptom diary is highly effective.
  

• Stress management: Since stress and anxiety can amplify pain perception, incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or gentle physical activity can be beneficial.
  

These lifestyle adjustments are often the first line of defence in symptom management.

2. Oral Care Adjustments

Your oral hygiene routine may also contribute to BMS symptoms. Making small changes can protect sensitive tissues and reduce irritation:

• Switch to mild toothpaste: Strongly flavored or minty toothpaste can aggravate burning sensations. Try using a flavour-free or mild option.
  

• Alcohol-free mouthwash: Mouthwashes containing alcohol or strong antiseptics can irritate oral tissues. Using gentle, alcohol-free formulas helps maintain oral comfort.
  

• Proper denture care: If you wear dentures or oral appliances, ensuring a proper fit and regular cleaning can prevent additional irritation.
  

By adjusting oral care products and routines, many patients notice significant relief over time.

3. Medical and Dental Treatments

When lifestyle and oral care adjustments aren’t enough, professional interventions may be needed:

• Topical therapies: Numbing gels or mouth rinses, such as those containing lidocaine, can temporarily ease burning sensations. Capsaicin-based gels (derived from chili) may also help desensitise nerve endings in certain cases.
  

• Nerve-targeted medications: Because BMS often involves nerve dysfunction, medications that affect nerve signalling — such as certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or anxiolytics — may reduce discomfort. These are prescribed and monitored by your clinician.
  

• Appliance adjustments: If ill-fitting dentures, orthodontic devices, or other oral appliances are contributing to irritation, adjustments or replacements can relieve pressure points and reduce burning sensations.
  

These treatments are tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms and underlying causes.

4. Specialist Referrals

In some cases, BMS may require a multidisciplinary approach:

• Oral medicine specialists: Experts in complex oral pain conditions can provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options.
  

• ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialists: For symptoms potentially related to sinus, nerve, or throat issues.
  

• Nutritionists or dietitians: To address deficiencies in B12, iron, folate, or zinc that may contribute to BMS.
  

• Psychological support: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other stress management techniques can help patients cope with chronic discomfort and improve quality of life.
  

Collaborating with specialists ensures that all potential factors — from nerve function to diet to mental wellbeing — are addressed.

Key Takeaway:

Managing Burning Mouth Syndrome is rarely a “one-size-fits-all” process. By combining lifestyle changes, oral care adjustments, medical treatments, and specialist support, patients can significantly reduce discomfort and improve daily life. Early assessment and a personalised care plan are crucial for lasting relief.

Diagnosing BMS: What Happens at Your Appointment

Diagnosing BMS is somewhat of a process of elimination because the mouth often looks normal, and many other conditions mimic the symptoms. According to guides such as the Mayo Clinic, the diagnosis involves:

1. A comprehensive medical and dental history — including review of medications, oral hygiene habits, use of dentures/appliances, dietary habits, stress levels and systemic health.
   
2. Oral examination — to rule out obvious causes such as infections, lesions, poorly fitting dentures, allergic contact stomatitis, etc.
   
3. Laboratory or imaging tests may include:
   
   
   • Blood tests (CBC, iron/B12/folate, thyroid function, diabetes screening)
   • Oral swabs or cultures (to check for fungal/bacterial infections)
     
   • Allergy testing (especially if a dental material or hygiene product is suspected)
     
   • Salivary‐flow measurement (to assess dry mouth)
   • Imaging (rarely) in some cases to rule out other structural causes.
     
     
4. Once other causes are ruled out and/or underlying contributors identified, a diagnosis of BMS may be given.
   
5. The dentist may coordinate with other specialists (ENT, oral medicine, endocrinology) if needed.

At Fortitude Valley Dentist, if you present with burning mouth symptoms, we’ll navigate this diagnostic journey with you — and where necessary, refer you to appropriate specialists.

Managing and Treating BMS: What You Can Do and What We Can Help With

Because BMS often has multiple contributing factors, the treatment approach tends to be multifaceted. Treatment doesn’t always mean “a one-pill cure” — but rather, a strategy to reduce symptoms, improve comfort and address as many contributing factors as possible.

Lifestyle & Home-Based Remedies

These are often the first steps and can make a big difference in symptom frequency and severity:

• Hydrate well: Sip water throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva, suck on ice chips for temporary relief.
• Avoid irritants: Spicy foods, very hot drinks, acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, sodas), alcoholic beverages, tobacco use, mouthwash containing alcohol — all these may aggravate BMS.
• Switch oral hygiene products: Use a mild or unflavored toothpaste (avoid strong mint or cinnamon flavours), and alcohol-free mouthwash. Your dentist can recommend suitable options.
• Manage dry mouth: If saliva is low, products like saliva substitutes or sugar-free lozenges may help. Avoid medications – if possible – that reduce salivary flow.
• Reduce stress and improve sleep: Techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, regular sleep routines may help reduce pain perception and flare-ups.
• Dietary tweaks: Some sufferers find relief by avoiding foods they identify as triggers (e.g., mint, cinnamon, chocolate). Keeping a symptom diary may help identify patterns.
  
• Behavioural support: Because BMS affects quality of life and can cause anxiety or depression, engaging in enjoyable activities, keeping social, and seeking mental-health support is wise.

Professional / Clinical Treatment Options

When lifestyle adjustments alone aren’t enough, your dental team (and possibly medical specialists) may consider additional treatments:

• Treat underlying causes (in secondary BMS): For example, if you have nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12), diabetes, thyroid issue, or acid-reflux, treating those may relieve the mouth symptoms.
• Topical therapies: Mouth rinses or gels containing lidocaine (numbing), or diluted capsaicin (chili extract) have been used with varying success.
• Systemic medications: Because BMS is often a neuropathic‐type pain disorder, medications that treat nerve pain (like clonazepam, certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants) have been tried. Note: Evidence is limited and results vary.
• Referral to specialists: If suspected nerve damage, salivary gland problems, or systemic disease are involved, your dentist may refer you to an oral medicine specialist, ENT, neurologist or endocrinologist.
  
• Behavioural therapy / Psychological support: Since BMS interacts with pain perception and emotional state, options like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be helpful.

What to Expect: Realistic Outcomes

• Some people experience significant relief relatively quickly with a combination of the above.
  
• Others may require ongoing management because there’s no guaranteed “cure” for primary BMS.
• The important message: managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and identifying triggers or contributory factors is very possible.
  

Why Early Action Matters

• The longer ongoing pain/irritation persists, the greater potential for secondary effects such as anxiety, avoidance of certain foods, decreased appetite or social withdrawal.
  
• Early identification of underlying conditions (e.g., nutritional deficiency, poorly-fitting dentures) means we can take action sooner — often with better outcomes.
  
• Being proactive helps you regain comfort, eating pleasure, and confidence in your mouth health again.
  

How Fortitude Valley Dentist Can Help You

At Fortitude Valley Dentist, our goal is to provide comprehensive care for burning mouth symptoms — from diagnosis to management, with a patient-centred approach. Here’s how we work:

1. Initial assessment & history taking
   
   
   • We’ll review your symptoms in detail: onset, location, pattern, what worsens/improves it.
     
   • Review your medical and dental history, medications, appliances, hygiene routine, diet, stress levels.
     
   • Conduct a thorough oral examination to rule out obvious causes (infections, poorly fitting appliances, lesions).
     
     
2. Collaborative testing & referral
   
   
   • Based on our findings, we may request or refer for blood tests (vitamin levels, thyroid, iron, diabetes screening) or other investigations.
     
   • If we suspect denture or appliance issues, we’ll evaluate fit, material and appliance hygiene.
     
     
   • If required, refer you to ENT, oral medicine or medical specialists for further evaluation.
     
     
3. Tailored treatment plan
   
   
   • Lifestyle advice: nutrition, diet, oral hygiene product recommendations, stress management strategies.
     
   • Dental adjustments: e.g., modifying faulty dentures, fitting a night-guard for bruxism/clenching if needed.
     
   • Professional therapies: prescribe or coordinate topical treatments, discuss options for systemic therapies as appropriate.
     
   • Monitor and review: We’ll schedule follow-ups to check how things are going, adjust plan based on response.
     
     
4. Support and education
   
   
   • We’ll provide you with clear information about what to expect, techniques you can use at home, and help you track and identify triggers.
     
   • Emotional support: Recognising the impact of BMS on mood and lifestyle, we’ll discuss coping strategies and refer for psychological support if needed.
     
     
5. Long-term follow-up
   
   
   • Because BMS may fluctuate, and/or underlying causes may change, we’ll keep you under review.
     
   • If the condition persists, we can consider further interventions, collaborate with specialists, and tailor your care accordingly.
     

Helpful Tips You Can Start Today

Here are some actionable tips you can begin right away while you wait for your appointment:

• Sip cool or room-temperature water frequently. Consider ice chips when the burning intensifies.
  
• Avoid acidic, spicy, hot-temperature or alcoholic foods/drinks.
  
• Switch to a mild, flavour-free toothpaste, and avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol or strong flavouring.
  
• Chew sugar-free gum (if appropriate) to stimulate saliva and keep your mouth moist.
  
• Reduce/eliminate tobacco or vaping, and moderate caffeine and alcohol consumption.
  
• Keep a symptom diary for 1–2 weeks: note foods eaten, drink types, appliances worn, times of day when burning is worst, stress levels. This can provide clues to your clinician.
  
• Practice stress-reducing activities daily: short walks, deep breathing, stretching, gentle yoga, or other hobbies you enjoy.
  
• Make sure you’re consuming foods rich in B-vitamins, iron and zinc (or take supplementation after discussing with your doctor).
  
• Don’t delay: If symptoms persist more than 4–6 weeks, or you notice other worrying signs (swelling, ulcers, lumps, rapid changes) — book an appointment sooner rather than later.
  

FAQ: Common Questions About BMS

Q: Is this just in my head?
A: No. BMS is a recognised condition. While part of the process involves how your nerves and brain interpret signals, the distress and discomfort are real. Recognising it is the first step to relief.

Q: Will my mouth look bad?
A: Usually not. One of the confusing things about BMS is that the oral tissues often appear completely normal — which is why diagnosis can be delayed. 

Q: Can it go away on its own?
A: In some cases of secondary BMS (when a clear cause is found and treated), yes. In primary BMS, there’s no guaranteed “cure”, but many people achieve symptom-reduction or remission through management. 

Q: Does menopause cause it?
A: It’s not a direct cause, but hormonal changes associated with menopause (especially declining estrogen) are seen more often in BMS cases. 

Q: What if I’m already seeing a dentist but still burning?
A: Because BMS spans dental, medical and psychological domains, it often requires a multi-disciplinary approach. At Fortitude Valley Dentist we coordinate with medical professionals as needed.

Q: Will I need medication?
A: Possibly. But medication is only one part of the plan. Lifestyle adjustment, appliance review, counsel on oral hygiene and stress management also play big roles. Your clinician will tailor decisions to you.

You Don’t Have to Live With It

We want to emphasise this: you do not have to just “live with” the burning sensation in your mouth. While BMS can be challenging, recognising it early, seeking professional care, and working on a personalised plan can make a difference.

At Fortitude Valley Dentist, we’re here to help you on that journey — from making sense of your symptoms, to ruling out other causes, to creating a tailored strategy for relief. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained burning, tingling or dryness in your mouth, we’d be pleased to assist you.

Book an appointment today — let’s begin working towards a more comfortable mouth and better quality of life.