Mouth Feel Like It's on Fire? Here's How To Relieve the Pain Fast

Yahoo

5 days ago

From brain fog to hot flashes, there are more than a few menopausal symptoms we're (unfortunately) familiar with. But one that has until recently flown under the radar is the aptly named burning mouth syndrome. Just as it sounds, it's characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth and is more common in menopausal and postmenopausal women—in fact, Meghan Trainor, 31, recently opened up about her burning tongue syndrome on her podcast. We asked experts to share everything you need to know about this complex condition, including simple ways to get instant relief from burning mouth syndrome.
What is burning mouth syndrome (BMS)?
Burning mouth syndrome is a recurring daily burning sensation inside the mouth lasting more than two hours per day for more than three months—with the lining of the mouth appearing normal and without any other identifiable cause, reveals Kathryn Jones, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine graduate student, who researches BMS.
While doctors first described the condition 150 years ago, it wasn't until 2004 when it was finally categorized as a distinct syndrome, adds Grigoriy E. Gurvits, MD, Professor of Medicine and gastroenterologist at NYU Langone. 'The main triad of symptoms are pain, dry mouth and an altered sense of taste.' He adds that burning of the tongue or lining of the mouth is also common.
These sensations tend to get worse in the evening and can be quite debilitating, he continues, explaining that this may be because people are typically more tired at night, which can make pain more acute.
'This is a complex condition whose root cause is not yet fully understood—but one word that has been used a lot in recent research to describe it is psychoneuroendocrinological,' says Jones. We bet even Noah Wylie on The Pitt couldn't say that three times fast. It's a mouthful for a reason, reflecting the multifactorial nature of BMS: psychological, neurological and endocrinological (involving hormones).
Instant relief for burning mouth syndrome
Here, Jones and Dr. Gurvits suggest proven strategies to ease the pain of burning mouth syndrome fast:
Pop a stick of gum
Chewing gum is one way to get instant relief from burning mouth syndrome because it helps prod saliva production, which acts like a fire hose to put out the burning, notes Jones. 'I've also read personal testimonials of people who suck on a piece of dried fruit to help activate saliva and get that lubrication going.' She recommends choosing gum that contains Xylitol because it has the added benefit of tamping down harmful oral bacteria. One option: Xylichew.
Suck on an ice cube
No mystery why this strategy freezes out pain. But if an ice cube is too frigid, try softening the 'brr' a bit by drinking a glass of cold water. Indeed, Dr. Gurvits recommends his patients keep a glass by their bedside at night for instant relief from burning mouth syndrome.
Consider a tongue protector
This remedy is specifically for patients who have tongue-thrusting habits that exacerbate burning mouth syndrome symptoms, notes Jones. 'Research shows improved pain scores in patients who wore the tongue protector for 15 minutes, three times a day.' Talk to your dentist or medical professional to learn if this option may be right for you.
Try the proven Rx + supplement combo
The prescription medication Neurontin (generic name: gabapentin) has been shown to calm nerve activity and reduce pain in patients with burning mouth syndrome, reveals Dr. Gurvits. Boost the benefits by taking it in conjunction with the powerful antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). 'Taking 300 mg of Neurontin in combination with 600 mg of the over-the-counter supplement is shown to improve symptoms and reduce pain in two-thirds of patients,' he says.
One caveat: Neurontin can make you sleepy, which is why Dr. Gurvits tells his patients to take it in the evening. That works out well because, as he noted above, BMS pain tends to worsen at night.
Swap your toothpaste
Toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), can worsen symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, he reveals. 'I advise my patients to try a toothpaste free of this preservative—it may help a little bit.' Otolaryngologist Melissa A. Scholes, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief, Children's Hospital of Mississippi agrees, and suggests trying a 'non-detergent based' toothpaste like Tom's of Maine or Davids.
Does HRT relieve burning mouth syndrome?
Since burning mouth syndrome is most common in post-menopausal women, it would make sense to think hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might help ease symptoms. But, unfortunately, the evidence just isn't there, says Dr. Gurvits. 'It's always worth trying, but HRT most likely won't work because it's just too late [in post-menopause] to take effect.'
The bottom line on BMS: There is hope and treatment
'I think it's important to stress that if someone feels their provider isn't listening to them, to find someone who has some knowledge of up-to-date treatment and is willing to be aggressive with therapies,' encourages Dr. Scholes.
'Consider an oral surgeon or homeopathic provider as well. Often burning mouth syndrome is ignored and under-treated, especially in 'women of a certain age,'' she says ironically, acknowledging the 'ickiness' of that term. The good news? 'It usually is self-limiting, meaning it typically resolves itself—it does get better.'
More ways to ease menobothers:
Tired of Waking up Drenched in Sweat? Here's How To Stop Night Sweats and Block Them From Returning
What Are Some Early Signs of Menopause? Doctors Share Symptoms That Manifest Sooner Than Expected
Dr. Anna Cabeca: These Are the Superfoods That Help Shrink a Menopause Belly
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.