Burning mouth syndrome

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Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's no one sure way to treat primary burning mouth syndrome, and solid research on the most effective methods is lacking. Treatment depends on your particular signs and symptoms, as well as any underlying conditions that may be causing your mouth discomfort.

For example, replacing poorly fitting dentures or taking supplements for a vitamin deficiency may relieve your discomfort. That's why it's important to try to pinpoint the cause. Once any underlying causes are treated, your burning mouth syndrome symptoms should get better.

If a cause can't be found, treatment can be challenging. There's no known cure for primary burning mouth syndrome, so treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. You may need to try several treatment methods before finding one or a combination that helps reduce your mouth discomfort. Treatment options may include:

  • Saliva replacement products
  • Specific oral rinses or lidocaine
  • Capsaicin, a pain reliever that comes from chili peppers
  • An anticonvulsant medication called clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Certain antidepressants
  • Medications that block nerve pain
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
Lifestyle and home remedies Tests and diagnosis
References
  1. Burning mouth syndrome. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Burning/BurningMouthSyndrome.htm. Accessed Nov. 12, 2012.
  2. Garza I, et al. Central craniofacial pain. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 12, 2012.
  3. Burning mouth syndrome. The American Academy of Oral Medicine. http://www.aaom.com/patients/burning-mouth-syndrome. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013.
  4. Torgerson RR. Burning mouth syndrome. Dermatologic Therapy. 2010;23:291.
  5. Schiavone V, et al. Anxiety, depression, and pain in burning mouth syndrome. Headache. 2012;52:1019.
  6. Mendak-Ziólko M, et al. Evaluation of select neurophysiological, clinical and psychological tests for burning mouth syndrome. Oral Medicine. 2012;114:325.
  7. Klasser GD, et al. Management of burning mouth syndrome. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. 2011;77:b151.
  8. Spanemberg JC, et al. Aetiology and therapeutics of burning mouth syndrome: An update. Gerodontology. 2012;29:84.
  9. Pigatto PD, et al. Burning mouth syndrome. SkinMed. 2012;10:134.
  10. Coping with chronic pain. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/chronic-pain.aspx. Accessed Nov. 13, 2012.
  11. Torgerson RR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 11, 2013.
  12. Davis MDP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 20, 2012.
  13. Steele JC, et al. Clinically relevant patch test results in patients with burning mouth syndrome. Dermatitis. 2012;23:61.
DS00462 Feb. 7, 2013

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