Hydrate
If BMS produces dry mouth, treatment may include a prescription toothpaste by your dentist, instead of your normal product. Your dentist may also advise you to drink more fluids, and switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash like Colgate Total® Advanced Pro-Shield™, as alcohol can not only burn, but dehydrate in excess. You may also be advised to cut back on juices and soft drinks that contain high levels of acid. Avoiding alcoholic beverages may also relieve the symptoms of BMS.
Research Your Medication
If you are on medications, ask your pharmacist if any of the side effects of the prescribed drugs could cause a person to have BMS. If so, ask your physician if there are any comparable medications that don’t have the same effects, and that could be substituted for the medication you’re currently on.
Visit Your Physician
If your dentist is convinced that there is nothing in and around the teeth that could be the cause of BMS, he may refer you to a physician to look for other disorders that have been known to cause BMS, such as diabetes, some thyroid conditions, vitamin and mineral deficiencies or possible allergic reactions to food or other substances.
Nutritional Supplements
According to Mayo Clinic, being deficient in nutrients such as iron, zinc, folate (vitamin B-9), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin (vitamin B-2), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and cobalamin (vitamin B-12) may affect your oral tissues and cause a burning mouth as well. These deficiencies can also lead to vitamin deficiency anemia. Although BMS may encourage you to avoid certain foods that trigger the sensation, it is important to compensate for the nutrients you’re missing out on. Iron supplements, for example, come in the form of “slow-release” pills so as not to upset your stomach in the process.
Working together with your dentist and physician on specific burning mouth syndrome treatment will go a long way to confronting the possible sources. Take accurate written or mental notes on what types of treatment work best, and what the ideal results are for you as an individual. Routine preventive visits are still important to avoid further complication in and around the mouth, and will help alleviate the known causes of burning mouth syndrome.