Burning tongue (burning mouth syndrome): Causes and home remedies Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Why is my tongue burning Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Jayne Leonard — Updated on September 29, 2022A burning tongue, or burning mouth syndrome (BMS), is a condition that causes a sensation of burning in the mouth. People with this condition often describe the burn as feeling similar to a hot drink scald. There are several known causes of BMS, but the reason for its onset can be unclear. The treatment will depend on the cause. According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), approximately 2 percent of people in the United States have BMS. It can affect the following parts of the mouth:tonguethe roof of the mouthinside of the cheeksgumslips In this article, we look at the causes of a burning tongue and discuss home remedies and medical treatments for BMS. What are the causes of a burning tongue Some people with a burning tongue may have scalded their mouth with a hot drink or piece of food, in which case they do not have BMS. The pain or discomfort of a minor physical burn may remain for several hours or more, but it will typically resolve without treatment. Causes of BMS True BMS is believed to be a type of neuropathic pain. It may be primary, meaning that it results from a direct cause, or secondary, which means that the cause is indirect. According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, the primary form of BMS results from damage to the nerves that control taste and pain sensations. Secondary BMS may occur because of other medical conditions or treatments, including:allergies to specific foods or dental productsanxiety or depressiondiabetesdry mouthgastroesophageal reflux diseasemenopausegeographic tonguean underactive thyroid, called hypothyroidismmedications, such as high blood pressure medicinesmouth infectionsnutritional deficiencies Other secondary causes may include a person’s habits, such as:biting the tip of the tongue frequentlyconsuming too many acidic foods or drinksgrinding the teeth on a regular basisoverbrushing the tongueoverusing mouthwash or abrasive oral hygiene productswearing ill-fitting dentures In many cases, the cause of BMS is unclear. Symptoms The symptoms of BMS, including a burning tongue, may:appear suddenly or develop over timecome and go or remain constantbe mild, moderate, or severeimprove when eating or drinking BMS commonly affects the tongue, but people may also experience discomfort in the:lipsgumsthroatroof of the mouthinside of the cheeks It is also possible to have symptoms that affect the whole mouth. Common BMS symptoms include:a burning or scalding sensation in the moutha bitter or metallic tastea dry mouthdifficulty swallowingincreased thirstloss of taste What home remedies can help Many people can find relief by using home remedies, including the following: Take fluids and ice The pain of BMS sometimes improves when eating or drinking. To alleviate symptoms, people can drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day or suck on ice chips. Doing this will also reduce the sensation of dry mouth and may temporarily mask bad tastes. Avoid problematic foods and drinks Strong-tasting or harsh foods and beverages can irritate the mouth. Limiting or avoiding the following foods can be beneficial:acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruitsacidic drinks, including citrus juices, sodas, and coffeealcohol and products containing alcoholspicy foodsitems containing cinnamon or mint, including herbal teas, candies, and baked goods Change dental hygiene products and habits Oral health products, including toothpaste and mouthwashes, can irritate the lining of the mouth. It is advisable to use flavor-free toothpaste that is suitable for sensitive teeth and to limit the use of mouthwash. Stopping other oral habits, such as biting the tip of the tongue, may also help. Quit smoking Smoking tobacco can irritate the delicate skin inside the mouth. It is best to avoid all products that contain tobacco to reduce or prevent BMS symptoms. Address medical conditions Several conditions contribute to BMS. People should discuss home remedies and medical treatments for these conditions with a doctor. Controlling the underlying issue may improve symptoms. Reduce stress Stress, anxiety, and depression may cause or worsen the symptoms of BMS. In turn, BMS may increase stress levels because it affects a person’s quality of life. People with BMS should try to reduce stress and seek help for other mental health issues where possible. Seek support It is not always possible to fully alleviate the symptoms of BMS, and some people will need to learn how to manage their discomfort. It can be helpful to seek support and advice from others, including a therapist or a chronic pain support group. Risk factors Risk factors for BMS include:Sex: According to the AAOM, females are up to seven times more likely to have BMS than males.Age: Older adults have a higher risk of BMS because they are more likely to wear dentures and have other underlying health issues.Being postmenopausal: People who have gone through menopause are more at risk. Researchers estimate that 18 to 33 percent of postmenopausal females have BMS. Other risk factors include:having food allergieswearing dentures or undergoing dental workexperiencing recent illnesstaking certain medicationshaving specific medical conditionsbeing stressed or anxious BMS does not typically cause complications, but it is possible that people with the condition will experience:anxiety or depressiondifficulty eating or swallowingsleep problems Is prevention possible Individuals may be able to reduce their risk of BMS by:avoiding tobaccoensuring that dentures fit correctlylimiting or avoiding alcohol and acidic foods and drinksmanaging other health conditionsusing oral hygiene products for sensitive teeth There is no guaranteed way to prevent all cases of BMS. Diagnosis and treatment Doctors usually diagnose BMS by ruling out other medical conditions. There is no known cure for primary BMS, but treatment for secondary BMS generally focuses on managing the underlying condition. This treatment may include taking nutritional supplements or medications. People may use the following to manage the pain of primary or secondary BMS:cognitive behavioral therapyoral rinsespain-relieving drugssaliva-replacement productsspecific antidepressants or anticonvulsant medications Outlook and takeaway The AAOM say that between one-half and two-thirds of people with BMS will experience some level of improvement in their burning tongue or other symptoms after a few weeks to several months of treatment. People who have chronic BMS, which lasts for several years, are typically able to stabilize and manage their symptoms. Symptoms can sometimes spontaneously disappear. There is no link between BMS and the development of oral cancer. People should see a doctor or dentist to help them determine the underlying cause of their BMS and develop a treatment program for symptom relief. Article resourcesBurning mouth syndrome. (2022). https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouthBurning mouth syndrome. (2021). https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5974/burning-mouth-syndromeTreister, N., & Woo, S. B. (2015). Burning mouth syndrome. https://maaom.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81:burning-mouth-syndrome&catid=22:patient-condition-information&Itemid=120Vaidya, R. (2012). Burning mouth syndrome at menopause: Elusive etiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425145/ Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022DiabetesFood AllergyAnxiety / StressEar, Nose, and ThroatFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C — By Jayne Leonard — Updated on September 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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