If your mouth feels like it is burning or scalding for no actual reason, you may be one of the 2% of people affected by burning mouth syndrome1. If this describes you, read on to learn about burning mouth syndrome causes, symptoms, and how to treat burning mouth syndrome. While there is no known cause or cure, Beam Dental can help you find relief.
What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Sometimes called glossodynia, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a rare condition characterized by a burning, scalding, or tingling sensation in the mouth2. While the burning sensation typically affects the tongue, some people experience burning that extends to their lips or throat3.
The condition may appear suddenly, with symptoms persisting. In other cases, burning mouth syndrome symptoms may gradually increase over time4. When the condition becomes chronic, patients may experience symptoms daily1.
Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome symptoms may last as long as one day in mild cases. As the condition progresses, patients report symptoms lasting weeks to months or even years1.
Burning mouth syndrome symptoms commonly include:
- Burning, scalding or pain on the tongue, gums and throughout the mouth
- Numbing or tingling feeling throughout the mouth
- Dry mouth
- Altered sense of taste including bitter or metallic tastes or a loss of taste2
- Disruptions to mood
- Increased stress
- Reduced sleep quality5
Many patients report persistent symptoms throughout each day that last for at least 4–6 months3. Some people experience exacerbated burning mouth syndrome symptoms after eating or drinking1.
Additionally, the time of day that symptoms are most severe varies between patients. For some, symptoms occur daily but remain constant in severity. Burning mouth syndrome symptoms could also fluctuate in severity throughout the day and over time.
Visual mouth changes typically do not accompany burning mouth syndrome symptoms4.
What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?
While the burning mouth syndrome cause has not been identified yet, the condition can be classified into two types: primary BMS and secondary BMS3.
Doctors have speculated that primary burning mouth syndrome could be connected to problems with nerve function related to taste and pain perception, though the actual cause is still unknown.
Secondary burning mouth syndrome is caused by one or more related conditions, such as diabetes, and its symptoms can be improved by treating the underlying burning tongue cause2.
Secondary burning mouth syndrome causes include3:
- Acid reflux
- Dry mouth, oral thrush, herpes, and other mouth conditions and infections
- Lack of iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B, or other nutrients
- Food, fragrance, dye, or dental product allergies
- Diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- Geographic tongue
- Allergies
- Hormonal changes, especially during menopause
- Mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and stress
- Bruxism, such as teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Overuse of mouthwash
- Overconsumption of acidic foods and beverages
- A side effect of medication, such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure
Burning mouth syndrome affects about 2% of the population, per the American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), with women more likely to be diagnosed1. Burning mouth syndrome is most prevalent in people who are 60 years or older and individuals who were assigned female at birth2.
Because burning mouth syndrome may be caused by a hormonal shift, 18 to 33% of postmenopausal people and women may be affected by burning mouth syndrome1. Smokers and people with medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, autoimmune disorders, and neuropathy are also at higher risk of burning mouth syndrome symptoms4.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Burning mouth syndrome is diagnosed by first ruling out other burning tongue causes2. Your dentist will examine your mouth and oral habits to see if there are any other explanations for the pain. Before testing, your dentist will discuss your medical history and current symptoms, including any medications you are taking, discuss your dental care routine, and ask questions related to your mental health.
If your dentist doesn't find a burning tongue cause, they might order additional tests, including blood, allergy, and gastric reflux tests, oral cultures and biopsies, imaging, and salivary measurements6. They may also refer you to a specialist who can assist with burning mouth syndrome diagnosis and treatment.
If your doctor finds a recognizable cause, you may be diagnosed with secondary burning mouth syndrome3. If all test results return normal, you may be diagnosed with primary burning mouth syndrome. In time, primary BMS often heals on its own1.
Treatment and Relief Options
How to treat burning mouth syndrome varies. Some individuals may improve with small lifestyle changes, while others need a multifaceted approach to find relief from burning mouth syndrome symptoms2.
For both primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome symptoms, lifestyle changes may ease discomfort. These changes include:
- Avoiding acidic and spicy foods or hot drinks, as well as carbonated beverages and coffee
- Abstaining from alcohol and nicotine
- Sipping water and ice chips to keep your mouth cool and mitigate pain throughout the day1
- Avoiding consuming cinnamon or mint products, including toothpaste and mouthwash
- Switching to a mild-flavored toothpaste meant for mouth sensitivities6
- Rinsing with a combination of baking soda and lukewarm water after brushing your teeth to dull any lingering acid and cool your mouth
- Using relaxation techniques to reduce the stress related to burning mouth syndrome
- Exercising and engaging in enjoyable hobbies, such as yoga, to distract from the associated stress1
- Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Using a capsaicin rinse or gel to provide relief from the feeling of burning
- Seeking out a chronic pain support group6
In the case of secondary burning mouth syndrome, treatments depend on addressing the underlying cause and may include the following:
- Using saliva replacement products to alleviate dry mouth symptoms7
- Treating nutritional deficiencies with supplements or vitamin shots
- Using lidocaine or oral rinses to alleviate symptoms by numbing the mouth
- Alleviating nerve pain with the antioxidant Alpha-lipoic acid
- Taking anxiety medications to improve pain and associated symptoms of anxiety and depression3
- Taking medication that neutralizes stomach acid to improve symptoms related to acid reflux
- Symptoms caused by blood pressure medication, may benefit from changing from an ACE inhibitor to an alternative medication2
- Using a custom mouth guard to minimize bruxism
- Learning coping skills through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat related symptoms of anxiety and depression7
When to See Beam Dental
Burning mouth syndrome can be persistent, distressing, and hard to diagnose, so early intervention is key. Prepare a list of helpful information beforehand to ensure your dentist can offer the best support.
Document your symptoms and list any recent life changes or stressors. Inform your dentist of any medications, herbs, supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking6.
If you are experiencing persistent pain or other burning mouth syndrome symptoms, Beam Dental is ready to help you heal—make an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does burning mouth syndrome feel like?
The pain varies in severity among patients. On the mild end, a patient might experience a subtle numbness or tingling. In more severe cases, patients describe burning mouth symptoms as occurring when consuming overheated food, and some patients say that their mouth feels scalded1. Other people might feel an itching or pricking sensation6.
What causes burning mouth syndrome?
There are two types of burning mouth syndrome: primary and secondary3. Primary burning mouth syndrome has no known cause; however, researchers speculate it may be related to problems with the nerve function that affects taste and pain perception in the mouth. It is diagnosed by ruling out other possible causes2. Secondary burning mouth syndrome is caused by one or more related conditions. These might include allergies, diabetes, dry mouth, and hormonal changes such as menopause7.
How long does burning mouth syndrome last?
How long burning mouth syndrome symptoms last varies. Many patients report experiencing symptoms for 4–6 months3. The condition could persist for months or even years before going away on its own4. With secondary burning mouth syndrome, symptoms often improve after treating the underlying cause6.
Can burning mouth syndrome be cured?
There is no known burning mouth syndrome cause or cure for burning mouth syndrome. However, for burning mouth syndrome symptoms, treating related conditions like acid reflux or allergies can often relieve burning mouth syndrome symptoms7.
When there is no known cause for burning mouth syndrome, you can see relief by making lifestyle changes such as sucking on ice chips and sipping cold liquids to keep your mouth cool, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, and practicing relaxation techniques to manage associated stress1.
Should I see a dentist or doctor for a burning mouth?
Yes, your dentist can help you manage burning mouth syndrome symptoms. With secondary burning mouth syndrome, your dentist can help find the underlying cause or refer you to a specialist6. Living with untreated burning mouth syndrome can disrupt your sleep and increase stress, so finding ways to relieve the symptoms is key5. Your healthcare team will assist in finding the best treatment for your specific burning mouth syndrome symptoms.
Sources:
- Higuera, V. (23 May 2017). What is Burning Mouth Syndrome? Healthline. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://www.healthline.com/health/burning-mouth-syndrome
- What is Burning Mouth Syndrome (Glossodynia)? Penn Medicine. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://www.pennmedicine.org/conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome
- Eusterman, V., MD, DDS. (25 October 2023). Burning Mouth Syndrome. Medscape. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1508869-overview
- (22 February 2023). Burning mouth syndrome - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350911
- Alsabbagh, R. and Ouanounou, A. (March 2022). Burning Mouth Syndrome: Etiology, clinical presentations, and treatment alternatives. Dentistry Review. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772559622000049
- (22 February 2023). Burning mouth syndrome - Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burning-mouth-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350917
- (20 April 2026). Burning Mouth Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14463-burning-mouth-syndrome
