Does Your Mouth Burn After Eating? What You Need to Know
If your mouth burns after you eat, you could be suffering from a condition known as burning mouth syndrome (BMS). There are several reasons for the sensation.
Treatment for BMS depends on the cause of your pain, which can be managed through an individualized plan. If your mouth feels like it's on fire, an appointment with your dentist is in order.
IRRITATION
The tissues in your mouth are sensitive. Overbrushing, eating something with sharp edges, acidic beverages, dental restorations or appliances, these can all cause harm. And when the tissues are damaged, they can be easily irritated by the foods you eat and the beverages you drink, particularly those that are acidic or salty. Take a look at your oral hygiene routine and cut back on the acidic foods.
DRY MOUTH
A lack of saliva production leads to a condition known as dry mouth. This can be caused by several different reasons, including medication, diseases or hormonal changes. When your mouth is chronically dry, it leads to a burning sensation. Drinking water to stay hydrated can help.
ORAL CONDITIONS
There are certain oral conditions that can cause your mouth to burn. One is oral thrush, a fungal infection. Another is geographic tongue. This condition causes dry mouth and sore patches on your tongue that resemble mapping.
ALLERGIC REACTION
A more serious cause of a burning mouth sensation after eating is due to an allergy. When you eat a food you are allergic to, your body produces antibodies to fight it. Mast cells then produce mass amounts of histamines, which are what cause the burning sensation.
A food allergy can often be identified with the other symptoms that accompany the feeling, including GI issues, shortness of breath and nasal complications. More severe allergies can cause anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening.
A burning sensation in your mouth after eating can be irritating. It is also a sign that something is wrong. Contact our officeto schedule an appointment.
FAQs
A: There is no cure for BMS. Some, if not most, of the discomfort can be alleviated using a variety of medications, many of which are used to treat anxiety, depression, and other neurologic disorders although at lower doses. The medications help to reduce the activity of nerve fibers.
What is the over the counter medicine for burning mouth syndrome? ›
Primary burning mouth syndrome
- Saliva replacement products.
- Specific oral rinses or lidocaine, which causes numbness to help relieve pain.
- Capsaicin, a pain reliever that comes from chili peppers.
- Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that may help relieve nerve pain.
Treatment. Your dentist may help you manage oral habits that contribute to BMS, such as tooth grinding or jaw clenching. Your dentist or doctor may prescribe medication that can help control pain and relieve dry mouth. Sometimes a small dose of topical or systemic clonazepam might help with BMS pain.
Will burning mouth syndrome ever go away? ›
Whatever pattern of mouth discomfort you have, burning mouth syndrome may last for months to years. In rare cases, symptoms may suddenly go away on their own or happen less often. Sometimes the burning feeling may be briefly relieved during eating or drinking.
What vitamin should I take for burning mouth syndrome? ›
Vitamin B and Zinc Supplements and Capsaicin Oral Rinse Treatment Options for Burning Mouth Syndrome.
What is the average duration of burning mouth syndrome? ›
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by burning pain in a normal-appearing oral mucosa lasting at least four to six months. The condition is idiopathic, and the underlying pathophysiology is not well understood.
What can I buy for burning mouth? ›
Oral Hygiene
Your dentist may recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash to ensure your mouth is not further irritated. You can also use mild-flavored, flavor-free, or sensitivity toothpaste to help relieve symptoms. According to the American Dental Association, broken or ill-fitting dentures can cause BMS as well.
What can a neurologist do for burning mouth syndrome? ›
Management includes cognitive behavioral therapy with a multidrug regimen including topical benzodiazepines/capsaicin, antidepressants, and gabapentinoids. 5-year resolution and improvement rates are about 3% and 30%, respectively.
What is the best rinse for burning mouth syndrome? ›
Cold apple juice; rinse mouth with it in the A.M. and P.M. 6 drops of hot pepper sauce (Tabasco or Texas Pete) in a teaspoon of water. Swish 4 times per day.
Is there a mouthwash for burning mouth syndrome? ›
Various mouthwashes made by local compounding pharmacies, termed “Magic Mouthwashes”, containing different medications such as viscous lidocaine, diphenhydramine, Maalox, and topical steroids, topical antibiotics and topical antifungals, can be used multiple times a day for the symptomatic relief of burning mouth ...
At Mayo Clinic, specialists in dermatology who are experts in treating burning mouth syndrome usually manage care for adults with this condition. Depending on your needs, specialists in ear, nose and throat (ENT), dentistry, pain medicine and other areas work together as a multispecialty team to evaluate and treat you.
Is burning mouth neurological? ›
Epithelial and sub-papillary nerve fibers showed diffuse morphological changes reflecting axonal degeneration. Our study demonstrates that burning mouth syndrome is caused by a trigeminal small-fiber sensory neuropathy and that superficial biopsy of the tongue can be helpful in assessing the diagnosis.
What virus causes burning mouth syndrome? ›
Varicella zoster virus (VZV), as well as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), can cause burning mouth syndrome, with or without rash. Diagnosis can be confirmed by either the presence of elevated serum anti-VZV or anti-HSV-11 IgM antibodies, or positive PCR for VZV or HSV-1 DNA in saliva or oral swabs.
Does gabapentin help burning mouth syndrome? ›
Possible Causes and Management of Burning Mouth Symptoms
Studies generally support the use of low dosages of clonazepam (Klonopin),26 chlordiazepoxide (Librium)13 and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline [Elavil]). Evidence also supports the utility of a low dosage of gabapentin (Neurontin).
What autoimmune disease causes burning mouth? ›
Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) and Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) typically present in post-menopausal women. Although these conditions have significantly different etiopathogeneses, patients with SS or BMS often present with analogous oral complaints.
What vitamin deficiency causes burning tongue? ›
Iron deficiency anaemia, deficiencies of Vitamin B2, folic acid, Vitamin B12 and zinc can cause burning sensation of the tongue.
Is burning mouth syndrome mental? ›
Somatoform pain disorder has been suggested as a mechanism and factors such as personality, stress, anxiety, depression and other psychological, psychosocial and even psychiatric disorders play a demonstrable role in BMS aetiology and symptomatology.
