Do You Have Burning Mouth Syndrome?

We’ve all bitten into something too hot and felt that brief scald. But for some people, a hot or burning sensation in the mouth turns up without any piping-hot food involved at all. When that happens persistently, it may be something called Burning Mouth Syndrome.

Burning Mouth Syndrome, or BMS, can affect any part of the mouth, including the tongue, palate and lips. If hot food isn’t the explanation, what is? Here’s a plain-English look at what’s understood about it.

What's thought to be happening

Researchers believe that, in people with BMS, there’s a change in the way nerve signals travel from the mouth to the brain. Normally these signals report sensation accurately, but with BMS the process appears disrupted, so an ordinary action, taking a bite of food or applying lip balm, can register as burning or pain.

In other words, it’s less about anything visibly wrong in the mouth and more about how those sensory messages are being interpreted, which is part of why it can be so puzzling to experience.

Possible contributing factors

The exact cause of BMS isn’t fully settled, but several possible contributors have been suggested. These include immune system factors, hormonal changes, and emotional factors such as stress, anxiety or low mood.

Others relate more directly to the mouth: allergies or sensitivities to denture materials, oral devices or toothpastes, poorly fitting oral appliances, and nerve-related changes affecting pain and taste. Because the picture is so varied, working out what’s relevant for an individual usually takes a proper look rather than guesswork.

We're here to help

If you’re dealing with any kind of ongoing oral pain or an unexplained burning sensation, you don’t have to simply put up with it. Get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book a visit, and we’ll help get to the root of what’s going on, or point you toward the right support. We look forward to welcoming you.