Burning Mouth Syndrome: When Your Burning Mouth Is Not Caused by Spicy Foods

Are you fond of foods with an abundance of chillies and other forms of spicy deliciousness? The downside to these foods is that you need to put up with a burning sensation in your mouth. This will quickly subside, and hopefully the food was worth having to put up with this brief and mild discomfort. There are some instances when you might feel like your mouth is burning on an ongoing basis, regardless of what you've eaten. While anyone can be affected by burning mouth symptom, it can be particularly prevalent in menopausal and postmenopausal women. So what are the warning signs for burning mouth syndrome? And what can be done about it?

A Spicy Feeling

It might simply feel like you have consumed something spicy when this has not actually occurred. The interior of your mouth might feel like it's burning, or it could feel inexplicably dry regardless of the quantity of liquids you consume. There might also be a lingering metallic taste in some cases. If you have experienced these symptoms on an ongoing basis, you need to contact a dentist office to make an appointment.

An Examination

Your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination in order to rule out any other reasons for your symptoms. They will inspect the state of any dental work (recent or not) to see if this requires additional attention or upgrading. It might be that ill-fitting dentures are causing tissue damage, for example. They will also check for any infections (such as oral fungus) that might be causing the symptoms. Your dentist will also look for any evidence of teeth grinding (which might happen while you sleep) as this can cause stress to the sensitive nerves in your mouth. Your dentist could also refer you to your doctor where you might be checked for any allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or adverse reactions to any medications (prescribed or over the counter) that you might be taking.

Rectifying the Issue

If a likely cause for your symptoms can be identified, then rectifying this issue should reduce the severity of your burning mouth syndrome. It might be that your dentist or doctor will also recommend products and methods (supplements and/or dietary changes) that will stimulate saliva. In some cases, pain relief can also be necessary.

So if your mouth regularly feels like it's burning regardless of your diet, it's time to get in touch with your dentist.