Introduction
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a puzzling and often painful condition where individuals feel a burning sensation in the mouth without any visible signs of irritation. The discomfort can affect the tongue, lips, roof of the mouth, or the entire oral cavity. Despite normal oral health examinations, the burning feeling persists and can disrupt daily activities such as eating, drinking, and speaking.
This blog explains what BMS is, its causes, common symptoms, risk factors, conventional and homeopathic treatments, and how holistic care can help manage this distressing disorder.
What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning Mouth Syndrome is a chronic pain disorder characterized by a persistent burning sensation in the mouth that occurs without an obvious cause. The condition can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. It is more common in women, particularly after menopause, and is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
There are two types of BMS:
- Primary BMS (Idiopathic): No identifiable medical or dental cause.
- Secondary BMS: Related to underlying medical conditions or medications.
Symptoms:
The main symptom is a burning or scalding sensation in the mouth, often described as feeling like the mouth has been burned by hot food or drink.
Other symptoms may include:
- Dry mouth or increased thirst
- Altered taste (bitter, metallic, or loss of taste)
- Numbness or tingling in the tongue or lips
- A constant sore feeling in the mouth
- Discomfort that worsens during the day and improves at night
Causes:
The exact cause of BMS is often difficult to determine, but several potential factors can trigger or contribute to the condition:
1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Damage to nerves that control pain and taste may cause burning sensations.
2. Hormonal Changes
Post-menopausal women are more likely to experience BMS due to reduced estrogen levels, which may affect the mouth’s lining and nerves.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiency in vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Folate
- Zinc
can lead to oral discomfort.
4. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Caused by aging, medications, or health conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes.
5. Allergic Reactions
Sensitivity to food additives, mouthwashes, dental materials, or toothpaste can trigger symptoms.
6. Psychological Factors
Stress, anxiety, and depression are known contributors and may amplify the pain perception.
7. Medical Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, acid reflux, oral thrush, and thyroid disorders have been associated with BMS.
Who Is at Risk?
- Women over the age of 50, especially postmenopausal women
- People with chronic anxiety or depression
- Individuals with autoimmune diseases
- Patients on multiple medications (polypharmacy)
How Is BMS Diagnosed?
Since there are no visible signs in many cases, diagnosis is mainly based on symptoms and ruling out other conditions.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests (to check for deficiencies, thyroid function, diabetes)
- Oral swabs (to rule out fungal or bacterial infections)
- Allergy testing
- Saliva tests (for dry mouth)
- Biopsy (rarely needed)
Homeopathic Approach to Burning Mouth Syndrome
Homeopathy is a holistic healing system that addresses both physical symptoms and emotional triggers. It focuses on the root cause and treats the individual as a whole rather than just the disease.
Key Benefits of Homeopathic Treatment:
- Safe and natural
- No side effects
- Suitable for long-term use
- Addresses underlying emotional or systemic causes
- Customized for each individual
Homeopathic Remedies for Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Kreosotum – For Intense Burning with Sour Taste
Kreosotum is one of the top remedies when the mouth feels extremely hot or burning, especially with a sour or bitter taste. There may be excessive salivation or painful ulcers.
When to Use:
- Burning pain in the mouth, especially tongue and cheeks.
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
- Excessive salivation or foul breath.
- Burning worsens after eating.
How to Use:
- Use Kreosotum 30C, 2 times a day.
- Reduce frequency when symptoms begin to improve.
- Mercurius Solubilis – For Burning with Salivation and Metallic Taste
Merc Sol is suited for BMS cases where burning is accompanied by excessive saliva and a metallic taste. Gums may be spongy, and the tongue may show teeth marks.
When to Use:
- Burning and raw feeling in the mouth.
- Profuse salivation with offensive odor.
- Metallic or coppery taste.
- Tongue coated with indentations.
How to Use:
- Take Merc Sol 30C, twice daily.
- Stop or taper dose as improvement sets in.
- Arsenicum Album – For Burning with Restlessness and Dryness
Arsenicum Album is helpful when the mouth feels dry, hot, and burning, especially at night. The person may feel anxious or restless and craves cold water.
When to Use:
- Burning and dryness of mouth, tongue, or lips.
- Symptoms worsen at night or from cold air.
- Restlessness and anxiety.
- Thirst for small sips of cold water.
How to Use:
- Use Arsenicum Album 30C, 1–2 times a day.
- Decrease dosage as condition improves.
- Borax – For Burning with Ulcers and Tenderness
Borax works well in cases where the burning mouth is associated with ulcers and soreness. Even slight touch or movement of the tongue causes discomfort.
When to Use:
- Mouth sensitive to touch, with burning sensation.
- Painful ulcers or white patches.
- Tongue feels hot and sore.
- Burning worsens from eating or speaking.
How to Use:
- Take Borax 30C, 2 times daily.
- Continue until symptoms subside, then reduce.
- Phosphorus – For Burning with Thirst and Heat Sensitivity
Phosphorus is suitable for individuals with a burning mouth along with extreme thirst and a craving for cold drinks. It suits those who are sensitive to heat and suffer from fatigue.
When to Use:
- Burning in tongue, lips, or palate.
- Dry mouth with intense thirst.
- Sensitivity to heat and warmth.
- Desire for cold drinks or ice.
How to Use:
- Start with Phosphorus 30C, once or twice daily.
- Use higher potency like 200C under guidance if symptoms are chronic.
- Lachesis – For Burning Tongue with Hormonal Link (e.g. Menopause)
Lachesis is ideal for menopausal women experiencing burning tongue or mouth. There may be a sensation of swelling, along with dryness and redness.
When to Use:
- Burning sensation on the tongue or tip of the tongue.
- Mouth feels dry or swollen.
- Symptoms worsen after sleep or on waking.
- Suits menopausal women or those with hormonal imbalance.
How to Use:
- Use Lachesis 30C, once or twice daily.
- In chronic or hormonal cases, Lachesis 200C weekly under supervision.
* Note – Above medicines are for knowledge purpose only. Take the medication only after doctor’s consultation. DO NOT SELF MEDICATE
Case Study
Patient: 55-year-old woman, postmenopausal, with constant burning of the tongue and lips, especially worse in the afternoon. She also experienced dryness of the mouth and mild anxiety.
Homeopathic Remedy: Arsenicum Album was prescribed based on her burning sensation, dry mouth, and emotional state.
Outcome: After two months of regular treatment and dietary guidance, her symptoms significantly improved. By the fourth month, she reported 80% relief.
Preventive Tips and Self-Care
- Stay Hydrated: Sip water frequently throughout the day.
- Avoid Irritants: Such as tobacco, spicy foods, strong mouthwashes, and alcohol.
- Choose Mild Toothpaste: Without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
- Practice Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure proper intake of B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
- Stay Regular with Homeopathic Treatment: Follow up with your homeopath regularly for best results.
Emotional Well-being and BMS
BMS often has an emotional or psychological component. Many patients report feeling worse during stressful events or emotional turmoil. This makes a holistic approach, like homeopathy, more suitable, as it includes both mental and physical symptoms in the treatment plan.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a doctor or a homeopath if you:
- Have persistent burning or pain in your mouth lasting more than two weeks
- Experience significant dry mouth or taste changes
- Notice other symptoms like ulcers or white patches (may suggest other issues)
- Feel emotionally overwhelmed by the discomfort
FAQs on Burning Mouth Syndrome
Q1. Is Burning Mouth Syndrome dangerous?
No, it is not life-threatening, but it can significantly affect quality of life.
Q2. Can BMS go away on its own?
In some cases, especially when linked to nutritional deficiencies or stress, it may resolve. Chronic cases usually need treatment.
Q3. Is BMS contagious?
No, Burning Mouth Syndrome is not contagious.
Q4. Can children get BMS?
It is rare in children; the condition mostly affects middle-aged and older adults.
Q5. How long does it take for homeopathy to show results?
Depending on the cause and chronicity, visible improvement may occur within 4 to 8 weeks, but longer treatment may be needed for lasting relief.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Homeo Care Clinic offers a holistic approach to treating Burning Mouth Syndrome. The remedies mentioned above can treat the underlying causes of the condition and offer relief from the discomfort. However, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Homeo Care Clinic provides comprehensive care for various ailments, including burning mouth syndrome, and offers customized treatment plans based on individual requirements.
Homeo Care Clinic offers a holistic approach to treating the disease. The remedies mentioned above can treat the underlying causes of the condition and offer relief from the discomfort. However, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Homeo Care Clinic provides comprehensive care for various ailments, and offers customized treatment plans based on individual requirements.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our treatment, please visit our website or give us a call +91 9595211594 our best homeopathy doctor will be here to help.
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