Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition in which a patient experiences persistent pain that occurs on the tongue, lips or other areas of the mouth. The burning may occur for months or even years. More than 1 million adults in the United States suffer from BMS, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

BMS is also known by many other names, including scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia and stomatodynia. It is sometimes accompanied by physical changes in the tongue (e.g., glossitis). However, the relationship between the two conditions is not fully understood.

The source of BMS is often very difficult to determine. In many cases, no distinct cause can be identified. In other cases, the disorder may be caused by a combination of several different factors. Various illnesses can cause BMS, including diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid problems and other conditions.

BMS is also closely associated with several other factors, including:

• Acid reflux. People who reflux acid into their mouths may experience a bitter or sour taste that resembles BMS.
  
  
• Allergies. Reactions to foods, food flavorings and other additives, fragrances, dyes and other substances may cause BMS.
  
  
• Cancer therapy. Treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy may trigger BMS.
  
  
• Hormonal imbalances. Changes in hormones, such as those associated with menopause, may trigger BMS. This may be due to how hormonal changes affect the composition of saliva.
  
  
• Medications. Drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to control high blood pressure may cause BMS. In addition, many medications can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which may trigger or exacerbate BMS.
  
  
• Mouth disorders and habits. Conditions such as thrush and dry mouth can cause BMS, as can dentures that irritate the mouth, clenching and grinding of teeth (bruxism) and tongue-thrusting. Excessive irritation of oral tissues may also cause BMS. Examples of such irritation include brushing the tongue too hard, overusing mouthwashes and drinking acidic beverages.
  
  
• Nerve disturbances or damage. Damage to nerves that regulate taste and pain in the tongue may result in BMS.
  
  
• Nutritional deficiencies. A lack of certain vitamins appears to be closely associated with BMS. Such nutrients include iron, zinc, and the B vitamins folate, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine and cobalamin.
  
  
• Psychological problems. Depression has been closely associated with cases of BMS. General anxiety and fear have also been reported to be associated with BMS. In some cases, these symptoms appear to trigger BMS, but in other cases they appear to result from the condition.

BMS is far more likely to affect women than men. Although all age groups are affected, the condition most often occurs in adults who are middle-aged or older. Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal are particularly likely to be affected.