Burning Mouth Syndrome - Editor's Choice

Burning mouth syndrome is a miserable condition which can be difficult to treat. Fortunately there are effective natural cures that can give relief to symptoms and resolve the causes in many cases. Home remedies for burning mouth syndrome include nutritional supplements, herbs, and the treatment of underlying health conditions.

What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome can be idiopathic (with no known cause) or it may be a secondary condition to another health problem. With burning mouth syndrome, there is a burning sensation felt primarily by the tongue. The gums, palate and mucous membranes in the mouth may be affected as well. Treatment focuses on bringing temporary relief, figuring out the underlying cause and treating that cause.

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome may be a secondary condition that arises from a primary condition. Anxiety, stress, depression, diabetes, acid reflux and allergies can cause burning mouth syndrome. Nutritional deficiencies and certain medications can cause burning mouth syndrome. Burning mouth syndrome may be caused by bruxism, tongue chewing or other poor oral habits.

Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be linked to burning mouth syndrome. Oral health conditions, including thrush and a dry mouth can cause buring mouth syndrome.

If you have any of the above conditions, seek remedies to treat these conditions. This may solve your burning mouth syndrome. If you take any medications, either prescription or over the counter, see if dry or burning mouth are a side effect of these medications. Even if burning mouth is not a listed side effect, if could be a side effect for you. Speak to your doctor about alternative medications if you think this is a possibility.

How to Help Burning Mouth Syndrome - Right Now!

Honey

Allow a half a teaspoon of honey to dissolve in your mouth. Honey has amazing healing properties and is soothing to irritated tissue as well. A local and raw honey is ideal.

Clove

Clove is anti-bacterial and also has numbing properties. A drop of clove essential oil added to 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil can be placed into the mouth. Allow the oil to sit in the mouth for a minute or two and then swallow. 1/2 teaspoon of clove powder can be added to warm water and taken as a tea.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne is an herb that can reduce pain, increase salivation and increase circulation. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper to food or adding 1/4 teaspoon to some juice and slowly sipping it may bring some temporary relief.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is alkalizing to the body and the mouth. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to 6 ounces of water and sip on it, allowing it to come in contact with all areas of your mouth before swallowing.

Supplements for Burning Mouth Syndrome

It is not uncommon for burning mouth syndrome to be caused by nutritional deficiencies. If you suffer with burning mouth syndrome, consider the following supplements:

• B Complex - The B12 and folic acid are especially important. 
• L-Lysine - L-Lysine is an amino acid commonly used to solve other oral health problems including cold sores.
• Zinc - Zinc is necessary for cell repair. 
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is also needed for cell repair and is critical for immune health.
• ALA - Alpha Lipoic Acid  is another nutrient that is needed at the cellular level and is helpful to some with burning mouth syndrome.

Long Term Remedies for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Blackstrap Molasses

Since burning mouth syndrome is often linked to nutritional deficiencies, supplementing your diet with blackstrap molasses may be the cure for you. Blackstrap molasses contains iron and B vitamins, both of which are critical for sufferers of burning mouth syndrome.

Burdock Root

Burdock root is a gentle herb that is healing to the nerves and cleansing to the blood. Burdock root is a food in some cultures. Take 2 capsules with each meal for at least 3 months. It can take time for the healing to be complete.

Oral Care for Burning Mouth Syndrome

SLS (sodium laureth sulfate) is in many oral care products and most toothpastes. Look for an SLS free toothpaste. Better yet, use baking soda to brush your teeth. Baking soda has been used to clean teeth for generations. It also helps to alkalize the mouth.

Do not use mouthwashes that contain artificial colors or sweeteners. Hydrogen peroxide from the drug store can be used to rinse out the mouth instead.

Dietary Changes

Certain foods may aggravate burning mouth syndrome. Diet sodas, anything with artificial sweeteners and msg should be strictly avoided. Sugar, coffee, and processed foods may need to be reduced or eliminated as well.

Foods high in iron, like eggs, leafy greens and lean red meat may be helpful to some with burning mouth syndrome.

Fruits and vegetables are also an excellent addition to the diet to increase nutrients to the body and moisture to the mouth.

Be sure to drink plenty of water or herbal tea each day. A dry mouth is going to be more likely to be irritated than a moist mouth.

Have you used a natural remedy for burning mouth syndrome? We would love to hear about your experience!

Continue reading to find out what solutions our readers have found for this frustrating health problem.