What is Burning Mouth Syndrome
By: Ken HurtTotal Views: 1119, Word Count: 596,
Knowing what is burning mouth syndrome helps people to take appropriate measures when they face this problem. At times, it becomes severe and irritating and causes pain. Hence, awareness about the symptoms and treatments of burning mouth syndrome becomes important to manage it.
Many times, people do not have sufficient information on the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. They are often misdiagnosed as they cannot explain the symptoms properly to their physician. When it becomes painful for them to bear it, they look for remedial measures.
How to Identify Burning Mouth Syndrome?
1. Pay attention to any sort of continuous and burning sensation that takes place in the mouth.
2. A person suffering from burning mouth syndrome may feel as if he/she has burned the mouth that normally occurs after having a very hot coffee or tea.
3. Burning of tongue or lips, or a rigid palate
4. The burning sensation worsens as the day progresses i.e. it is mild in the morning hours and turns severe in the late evenings.
5. A person may feel a metallic taste in his/her mouth
6. Even though the pain is severe, the tongue and mouth looks normal and in good physical shape.
How to Cope with Burning Mouth Syndrome?
To cope with burning mouth syndrome, it is very necessary to give it timely treatment. If the pain persist for more than a normal period, assistance of a doctor becomes crucial. A doctor conducts a proper diagnosis of the prominently visible symptoms and conducts various tests to verify the syndrome. The blood count and health deficiencies of a person are checked and accordingly, the treatment options are suggested.
Intake of proper prescribed medicines has to be strictly followed and the dose has to be completed. To treat the burning mouth syndrome, medications like ‘clonazepam’ and ‘gabapentin’ are commonly used. These are considered as the best alternatives as they directly treat the pain of the taste buds. Sometimes, ‘lamotrigine’ is also prescribed that helps to relieve pain in the mouth.
Increase the intake of vitamin B and minerals like iron and zinc. Try to keep a control on alcohol based things like mouthwash, cinnamon, mint products and cigarettes. You can also use ice chips or sugar-free gum to relieve the burning. Moreover, if you use dentures, keep them out for the entire night.
How to Use Herbal Home Remedies to Treat Burning Tongue?
- You can prepare an herbal decoction by using Indian gooseberry, chebulic myroalan and bellerica myrobalan.
- An ayurvedic remedy called Triphala is widely used
- You can also apply aloe vera gel on the tongue as it brings a fast relief
- You can relieve the pain by using lavender oil. Simply apply it with a soft clean cloth or cotton balls as it acts as an antiseptic.
- It is always better to avoid constant intake of hot and spicy food stuff, tobacco, cinnamon, mint and continuous consumption of acidic drinks like orange juice, tomatoes and coffee.
A good understanding of what is burning mouth syndrome helps a person to apply the appropriate treatment the moment he/she starts showing its signs and symptoms.
About the Author
Dr. Ken Hurt is a well known dentist and has been in this field since 1995. He is graduated in doctor of dental medicine from London University. His interest lies in cosmetic dentistry, gum and teeth replacement, children dentistry, drug therapy, psychology in dentistry, oral surgery and pathology.
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