Burning Mouth Syndrome is the medical term for the burning sensation felt for no obvious reason. This can be the tongue alone or it can spread to the gums, lips, insides of cheeks, and the roof of the mouth. There is no cure, but you can work with your doctor to find some coping strategies that work for you.
Medication and vitamin supplements
Some medication can be prescribed by a doctor to provide relief for the symptoms. They won’t cure the entire condition, but they can be taken on an as needed basis. Just in case your Burning Mouth Syndrome is caused by a side effect of another medication, make sure that your doctor is aware of all medication that you are taking.
Some supplements may work for some people. There is anecdotal evidence that vitamin B12 supplements will work after some time. Ask your doctor and dentist which ones are the best for you.
Prescription Mouthwash
Unfortunately the over the counter mouthwash will not suffice in this case. Certain prescription level mouthwashes will provide temporary relief, but how long depends on the patient.
Extinguish bad habits
Stop smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Improve your diet to boost your daily vitamin intake. Drink a lot of water to keep your mouth moisturized.
Difference between Primary and Secondary Burning Mouth Syndrome
Primary has no root cause. Secondary is the effect of having another condition, such as Sjögren’s syndrome. The good news about having secondary is that once the primary condition is healed, your Burning Mouth Syndrome will hopefully go away.
Burning Mouth Syndrome is a complex disorder. Since every individual case is different, it is important that you work with your doctor and dentist to find the best care that works for you.