Written by Clare Widzgowski
Burning Mouth Sensation – Why it Happens?
Menopause brings many symptoms. You may be prepared for symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems or mood swings. However, there are others that may surprise you, like a burning sensation in your mouth.
If you are experiencing a burning sensation in your mouth during and around menopause, it could be burning mouth syndrome (BMS), also called glossodynia. BMS is characterized by a ‘scalded feeling’ and pain in the gums, tongue, sides of the mouth, and lips. It can also cause changes to taste (such as a more bitter or metallic taste in the mouth) or loss of taste. It affects 8% of menopausal women, mostly those between the ages of 50 and 70.
Burning Mouth in Menopause
Burning mouth syndrome in menopause is due to declining estrogen levels. Estrogen is involved in saliva production. Insufficient saliva production causes weak lubrication of the mouth. It can be exacerbated by consuming acidic foods (think tomatoes or citrus), alcohol (including mouthwash with alcohol), cinnamon, mint, spicy foods, tobacco or sugar-free gum.
If you think you have BMS, you should speak to a medical professional as they may be able to rule out other causes of mouth irritation such as an allergic reaction to dentures, toothpaste, or mouthwash or nerve damage in the tongue. You may be advised to avoid irritating foods, increase fluid intake or take a numbing mouth treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Disclaimer: At It’sFetch.co we strive to provide valuable and reliable health information through our blog. We believe in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. However, it is important to understand that the content on our blog is not intended to replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified medical professional.
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