Let's talk about the strange pain that comes with a burning sensation inside the mouth (Burning Mouth Syndrome).

Imagine that you have been feeling like you've been drinking hot coffee and your mouth is burning all day. Or your tongue is burning like you've eaten something spicy. But you didn't do anything like that. When you look inside your mouth, you don't see any sores or blisters. If you constantly feel this kind of annoying burning sensation in your mouth, tongue, lips, or palate for no apparent reason, you may have a condition called Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Today, we'll talk about this in a simple way that everyone can understand.

Simply put, what is Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)?

Burning Mouth Syndrome, or BMS, is a condition that causes a burning sensation in your tongue, lips, palate, gums, in short , anywhere in your mouth. The medical name for this is “Glossodynia.” The specialty of this is that despite feeling this burning sensation, when you look inside your mouth, there is no visible change, wound, or redness.

It's amazing how many people with this condition feel.

• Maybe there's no difficulty in getting up in the morning.
• But as the day goes on, the inflammation gradually begins to increase.
• The pain may be at its peak in the evening.
• When I go back to sleep at night, the pain subsides, and the next morning this cycle begins again.

In addition to this inflammation, there may be several other symptoms. Some people may feel a bitter taste in their mouth, or a metallic taste (like a piece of iron). Others may feel a constant feeling of dry mouth, but in reality, there may be a lack of saliva in the mouth. This pain is so annoying that when suffering from it for a long time, some people may even experience depression, that is, they may face conditions like ``Depression`` or ``Anxiety``.

This situation can be divided into two main types:

Doctors divide BMS into two main categories, depending on whether or not they can find the cause of your symptoms.

Who is most at risk?

Although this condition can develop in anyone, some people are at a higher risk.

• This condition is most common in postmenopausal women over the age of 60. The reason for this is that with menopause, the level of the hormone estrogen in the body decreases. This can reduce the sensitivity of the taste cells on the tongue.
• Taste perception is also affected: Did you know that our sense of taste is different from person to person? Some people have a very strong sense of taste, we call them 'Supertasters'. Others have a very weak sense of taste. Research has found that many people with BMS were once 'Supertasters' and later lost their ability to taste.
• Teeth grinding: People who have the habit of grinding their teeth in their sleep may also experience this inflammation more.

Let's see exactly what the main symptoms are.

There are several difficulties that can be experienced in the BMS situation. Let's look at them in a table.

Most importantly: Remember, none of these symptoms cause any visible blisters, sores, white patches, or redness inside your mouth. The discomfort is purely a feeling you experience.

Why does this happen? Let's explore the reasons.

As we discussed earlier, there are two types of BMS. The causes of each are also different.

The reason for the primary BMS

The exact cause of this condition is not yet known , but scientists believe it is caused by some kind of nerve damage to the nerves in our tongue and mouth that control taste and pain. Simply put, there is a problem with the nervous system that sends signals about pain and taste to the brain.

Causes of Secondary BMS

In this case, the mouth sores are a result of another medical condition. Here are some possible causes:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiency of nutrients, especially iron, zinc, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12.
• Dry mouth: Decreased saliva production in the mouth due to other medical conditions (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome) or certain medications.
• Oral infections: Oral thrush, a fungal infection that occurs especially in the mouth.
• Acid reflux: This is caused by gastric acid in the stomach flowing back into the throat and mouth.
• Certain medications: Especially some medications taken for high blood pressure.
• Bad habits: sticking out the tongue frequently, clenching the teeth, and clenching the jaw.
• Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems.
• Allergies: Allergies to certain foods, food additives, toothpaste, or mouthwash.
• Psychological causes: Excessive stress, anxiety, or depression.

How is the diagnosis made?

If you have these symptoms, it's a good idea to see a dentist first. He or she can examine your mouth and see if there are any other problems that need to be looked at. Then, if necessary, he or she can refer you to another specialist.

Diagnosing BMS is a bit complicated because there is no specific test for it. The doctor will just rule out other conditions . They may order tests like these:

• Blood tests: To detect things like nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
• Oral swab test: Check for fungal or bacterial infections in the mouth.
• Allergy test: Check if you are allergic to a certain food or substance.
• Saliva test: Measure the amount of saliva flow.
• Imaging tests: Sometimes things like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be needed.
• Tissue biopsy: This is not necessary in most cases, but may be done only if there is suspicion of another serious condition.

If all these tests fail to find any other cause, the doctor will conclude that you have primary BMS.

What are the treatments and relief for this?

Treatment options depend on whether you have primary or secondary.

There is no specific cure for primary BMS, but there are many ways to manage the symptoms and reduce the discomfort you feel.

• Mouth rinses: Special mouthwashes that relieve pain and slightly numb the mouth.
• Painkillers: Common painkillers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
• Saliva substitutes: Products like Biotene® provide relief from dry mouth.
• Certain medications: Sometimes, low doses of antidepressants or antiseizure medications can help. These medications are not prescribed for mental illness, but they can help calm the nerves and control the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

It may take some time to find the right treatment for you, so it's important to continue talking to your doctor about this.

Ways to get instant relief

When the pain is severe, try these things to get quick relief:

• Chewing sugar-free gum: This increases saliva production and reduces inflammation.
• Drink cold water: Drink cold water little by little throughout the day.
• Sucking on an ice cube: Holding an ice cube in your mouth provides quick relief.
• Cold drinks: Drink cold drinks slowly and sip them.

Stay away from things that increase inflammation.

Although BMS cannot be completely prevented, you can get great relief by staying away from things that aggravate the symptoms, that is, increase inflammation.

Any occasion to see a doctor

If a mild burning sensation in your mouth does not subside within a day or two, or if you have the following symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.

• If you see blisters or swelling along with the mouth inflammation.
• If the pain is getting worse day by day.
• If this inflammation lasts more than a few days without an obvious cause.
• If this discomfort makes it difficult for you to eat or talk .

We know it's hard to live with a condition like this, but you don't have to suffer alone. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, this discomfort can be largely controlled.