Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffBurning mouth syndrome can be painful and frustrating, especially since it can take months or years to get a diagnosis and effective treatment. Because of that, it can reduce your quality of life if you don't take steps to stay positive and hopeful.
Consider some of these techniques to help cope with burning mouth syndrome:
- Practice relaxation exercises, such as yoga.
- Join a pain support group.
- Engage in pleasurable activities, such as exercise or hobbies, especially when you feel anxious.
- Make an effort to stay socially active by connecting with understanding family and friends.
- Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose & throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2617&searchStr=burning+mouth+syndrome. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Burning mouth syndrome. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Burning/BurningMouthSyndrome.htm. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- What is burning mouth syndrome? Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=293&Topic=B&ArtID=1141#body. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Mirowski GW, et al. Biology and pathology of the oral cavity. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2979105&searchStr=glossalgia#2979105. Accessed May 10, 2010.
- Klasser GD, et al. Burning mouth syndrome: Recognition, understanding, and management. Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America. 2008;20:255.
- Drage LA, et al. Clinical assessment and outcome in 70 patients with complaints of burning or sore mouth symptoms. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 1999;74:223.
- Drage LA, et al. Burning mouth syndrome. Dermatologic Clinics. 2003;21:135.
- Drage LA, et al. Burning mouth syndrome (glossodynia). In: Lebwohl MG, et al. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2010:111.

Find Mayo Clinic on