BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE Oral pain that feels like a scalded mouth and can last for months has baffled dental researchers since the 1970s, when burning oral sensations were linked to mucosal, periodontal, and restorative disorders and mental or emotional causes. It's called burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and it's gaining the attention of dental researchers. Between two and five percent of the U.S. population acquires BMS but the syndrome especially strikes women between age 50 and 70, and from three years before to 12 years after menopause. Although the exact cause of BMS is unknown, the suspected origin is deterioration of the nerves beneath the oral lining. The deterioration isn't visible, which explains why the mouth appears normal when examined and can delay diagnosis. Still unproven is the role hormones may play in BMS, given the link to menopause. The pain from BMS often results in quality of life issues, from poor nutrition to the sufferer withdrawing from social situations. In some cases, the pain is so severe it has driven people to commit suicide, Pinto said. Patients can receive relief with special mouthwashes, analgesics and other topical and systemic treatments. People with persistent mouth pain are urged to check for the following symptoms that might be caused by BMS: Persistent burning tongue and oral pain with no apparent dental cause Abnormal taste or dry feeling in the mouth Symptoms that disappear when eating Burning sensations may migrate across several oral areas Even if oral pain is present without these symptoms, people should consult a dentist for a thorough exam of the teeth, gums, mouth and throat. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1868205 BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE Oral pain that feels like a scalded mouth and can last for months has baffled dental researchers since the 1970s, when burning oral sensations were linked to mucosal, periodontal, and restorative disorders and mental or emotional causes. It's called burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and it's gaining the attention of dental researchers. Between two and five percent of the U.S. population acquires BMS but the syndrome especially strikes women between age 50 and 70, and from three years before to 12 years after menopause. Although the exact cause of BMS is unknown, the suspected origin is deterioration of the nerves beneath the oral lining. The deterioration isn't visible, which explains why the mouth appears normal when examined and can delay diagnosis. Still unproven is the role hormones may play in BMS, given the link to menopause. The pain from BMS often results in quality of life issues, from poor nutrition to the sufferer withdrawing from social situations. In some cases, the pain is so severe it has driven people to commit suicide, Pinto said. Patients can receive relief with special mouthwashes, analgesics and other topical and systemic treatments. People with persistent mouth pain are urged to check for the following symptoms that might be caused by BMS: Persistent burning tongue and oral pain with no apparent dental cause Abnormal taste or dry feeling in the mouth Symptoms that disappear when eating Burning sensations may migrate across several oral areas Even if oral pain is present without these symptoms, people should consult a dentist for a thorough exam of the teeth, gums, mouth and throat. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1868205