Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition that causes a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth, without any obvious cause. It is characterized by a burning or scalding feeling that most commonly affects the tongue and a feeling of dry mouth with increased thirst. It is called burning mouth syndrome because it often feels like you drank a scalding cup of liquid and you burned your mouth. The difference is, the feeling doesn’t go away.
The symptoms can be mild to severe, and they may vary from day to day. BMS is most common in women over the age of 50, but it can affect people of all ages.
BMS is also known as stomatodynia, oral dysesthesia, stomatopyrosis or glossodynia.
The exact cause of BMS is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Hormonal changes: BMS is more common in women, and it is often triggered by menopause or other hormonal changes.
- Dental problems: BMS can be caused by problems with the teeth, gums, or tongue.
- Medical conditions: BMS has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
- Stress: Stress can worsen the symptoms of BMS.
There is no cure for BMS, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat BMS, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical anesthetics.
- Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help to reduce stress and improve coping skills.
- Diet changes: Some people find that making changes to their diet, such as avoiding spicy foods or acidic foods, can help to relieve the symptoms of BMS.
If you are experiencing symptoms of BMS, it is important to see a doctor. They can help to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss treatment options with you.
Fibromyalgia and BMS
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes widespread pain throughout the body. BMS is a chronic pain disorder that causes a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth. Both conditions are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep problems, and mood disorders.
There is some evidence to suggest that BMS and fibromyalgia may be related. For example, people with fibromyalgia are more likely to have BMS than people without fibromyalgia. Additionally, studies have shown that people with BMS have changes in the way their brains process pain that are similar to the changes seen in people with fibromyalgia.
However, the exact relationship between BMS and fibromyalgia is not fully understood. More research is needed to determine if BMS is a symptom of fibromyalgia, or if the two conditions are caused by a common underlying factor.
If you have both BMS and fibromyalgia, it is important to work with a healthcare team that is experienced in treating both conditions. They can help you to develop a treatment plan that addresses the symptoms of both conditions.
I hope this blog post has been helpful in providing you with information about burning mouth syndrome. If you are experiencing symptoms of BMS, I encourage you to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
I understand that BMS can be a very frustrating and debilitating condition. However, I want to assure you that you are not alone. There are many people who are living with BMS, and there are treatments available that can help to improve your quality of life.
I also want to encourage you to stay positive. There have been many advances in the treatment of BMS in recent years, and there is hope that even better treatments will be developed in the future. With the right treatment and support, you can live a full and productive life with BMS.
