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Home Remedies to Get Rid of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Do you wake up with a burning sensation on your tongue, even though you haven’t even taken a sip of your hot cup of coffee? Does the burning last all day long, making it difficult to eat or drink anything? If so, it is likely that you are suffering from what’s known as burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

This syndrome is characterized by constant or intermittent pain, discomfort, or burning sensation in the tongue, gums, lips, insides of cheeks, the roof of the mouth, or entire oral cavity. It commonly affects the tongue. Thus it is sometimes called burning tongue syndrome.

Many people who suffer from BMS indicate anxiety, depression, personality disorders and impaired quality of life (QoL). While BMS can affect anyone, it is more common in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

The definitive cause is still unknown, and it can be challenging for doctors to diagnose. A number of tests may be performed, such as an MRI or CT scan, a biopsy of a sample of tissue from the mouth, an allergy test, and complete blood count. Some of the tests are used to rule out other conditions.

Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome

BMS can be categorized as primary or secondary.

Primary burning mouth syndrome: This condition is idiopathic, meaning no obvious abnormality or cause can be identified.

Secondary burning mouth syndrome: The following underlying conditions can lead to secondary BMS, meaning it is a result or symptom of the underlying condition.

 

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia.

Fungal infections.

Geographic tongue, in which map-like patches appear on the tongue.

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Ill-fitted dentures leading to irritation in the oral cavity.

Allergies to certain foods, fragrances or substances used for oral care.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which involves reflux of stomach acid that can cause burning sensations.

Certain medications.

Unhealthy oral habits that can lead to irritation in the mouth.

Hypothyroidism or other endocrinal disorders.

Stress or anxiety.

Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Constant or intermittent burning sensation, particularly on the tongue.

Dryness in the mouth, accompanied by excessive thirst.

Change or loss of taste.

Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.

The symptoms may last throughout the day and may get worse as the day progresses. The burning sensation may also be insignificant on certain days or it may feel like a scalding burn on other days. The symptoms may come and go for days or months.

Preventing Burning Mouth Syndrome

Since the cause of BMS is not certain, little can be done to prevent it. However, if you are already suffering from the condition, home remedies and certain diet changes as described and may help you manage the symptoms.

Home Remedies to Treat Burning Mouth Syndrome

In conjunction with taking any medication prescribed by your physician, you can take certain self-help measures to control the symptoms. You may also be able to get rid of the condition completely by following the remedies religiously.

However, if treating secondary BMS, the underlying cause will play a significant role in deciding your road to recovery.

Here are the 8 home remedies to get rid of burning mouth syndrome. Give each a try and stick to the one that gives you the most relief.

Method 1: Baking Soda

Baking soda (aka sodium bicarbonate) is a readily available alkalizing agent that will regulate pH & help get rid of the acids in the mouth and relieve the burning.

Baking soda is used by health care practitioners alone or in combination with other treatments as a first line of defense against a number of health problems, including those that could be the culprit of BMS i.e., diabetes, kidney disease, cold, & flu.

You can also use baking soda occasionally to brush your teeth, instead of using regular toothpaste that may sometimes trigger burning mouth symptoms.

Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of tepid water.

Mix it well and transfer the solution to a container for storage.

Use the solution as a mouth rinse 3 times daily to get rid of burning mouth syndrome in less than 1 week.

Method 2: Vitamin B12

If your body is deficient in vitamin B, especially vitamin B12, it can affect the tissues in the mouth, causing a burning sensation. Upping your intake of foods rich in vitamin B can help counter the symptoms.

You can also check with your physician about time-release vitamin B12 supplements. The time-release supplement will give your body a steady supply of the vitamin throughout the day to keep the symptoms in check.

Method 3: Sodium-Free Toothpaste

Changing your oral care habits can give you relief from the burning mouth. Many kinds of toothpaste contain sodium lauryl sulfate, the chemical that makes toothpaste foamy.

However, it can also irritate your oral cavity and lead to canker sores, bad breath as well as burning mouth syndrome. 

Opt for sodium-free toothpaste to brush your teeth. You can also add in some baking soda that helps alkalinize the acids in your mouth and relieve the burning.

Mix toothpaste and baking soda in equal proportions in a bowl.

Use the blend to brush your teeth, instead of your regular toothpaste.

Use it daily whenever you brush your teeth. The symptoms should be gone within 1 week.

Continue to use sodium-free toothpaste without baking soda on a long-term basis to prevent future flare-ups. You can also use these recipes to make your own sodium-free toothpaste at home.

Method 4: Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a vitamin-like compound that works as an antioxidant, repairing nerve damage and preventing damage caused by free radicals.

In the case of burning mouth syndrome, it protects and heals the nerves in the mouth and eliminates the symptoms completely with regular consumption. 

The recommended dosage is 600 mg per day to get rid of burning mouth syndrome.

Alternatively, you can divide the dose into 200 mg and take it 3 times daily.

Take alpha-lipoic acid supplements for 2 to 3 weeks to relieve the burning. You can continue to take it longer if needed to treat the condition completely.

You can also eat potatoes, spinach, liver, and broccoli, which are naturally rich in alpha-lipoic acid.

Method 5: Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural coolant. It helps rehydrate as well as soothe sunburns and minor accidental burns.

In the case of burning mouth syndrome, the enzymes present in aloe vera form a protective coating on the delicate tissue in the oral cavity and speed up healing. Since it helps hydrate the tissue, it also gets rid of dry mouth and the related burning sensation.

Tips for relief

If you don’t have aloe vera gel, you can also apply glycerin or honey to keep your tongue moist.

Using salt water as a mouth rinse can also help reduce the burning.

Do not use an alcohol-based mouthwash, as it will worsen the burning.

(07/31/2024)
by Fab How

More Information: https://www.fabhow.com/health-and-beauty/diseases-and-conditions/get-rid-of-burning-mouth-syndrome

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