If you are chronically or periodically bothered by a burning sensation in the mouth.
Burning mouth syndrome is the medical term for ongoing (chronic) or recurrent burning in the mouth without an obvious cause. This discomfort may affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth (palate) or widespread areas of your whole mouth.
The burning sensation can be severe, as if you scalded your mouth.
Burning mouth syndrome usually appears suddenly, but it can develop gradually over time. Unfortunately, the specific cause often can't be determined. Although that makes treatment more challenging, working closely with your health care team can help you reduce symptoms.
Lifestyle and home remedies
In addition to medical treatment and prescription medications, these self-help measures may reduce your symptoms and your mouth discomfort:
- Drink plenty of fluids to help ease the feeling of dry mouth, or suck on ice chips.
- Avoid acidic foods and liquids, such as tomatoes, orange juice, carbonated beverages and coffee.
- Avoid alcohol and products with alcohol, as they may irritate the lining of your mouth.
- Don't use tobacco products.
- Avoid spicy-hot foods.
- Avoid products with cinnamon or mint.
- Try different mild or flavor-free toothpastes, such as one for sensitive teeth or one without mint or cinnamon.
- Take steps to reduce stress.
