Does it feel like your mouth is on fire even if you have not consumed any habanero or jalapeño pepper? They you may be suffering from what’s known as burning mouth syndrome. In this article, we will briefly discuss what it is and then tackle some of the things that you may do at home to attain relief from the symptoms it brings.
According to medical doctors, there are many different reasons behind burning mouth syndrome. Some of them are acid reflux, smoking, chronic infection of the mouth, damage to the nerves, hormonal issues, diabetes and oral cancer. Allergies and nutritional deficiencies may also be blamed at times.
Just like what the name says, the most notable symptom of this problem is a burning sensation in the mouth that can last for days, weeks, months or even years. Some people report of having the sensation all over their mouths, while others say that the problem is experienced only in just a single area or a few, like the lips, gums or throat.
The intensity of the sensation that burning mouth syndrome brings can range anywhere from mild to severe, and it can interrupt with speaking, eating, drinking and sleeping. What’s puzzling about burning mouth syndrome is the sensation it brings can come and go, or gradually intensify with the passing of time.
In order to treat burning mouth syndrome, the underlying medical cause should be identified and treated. Aside from the modes of treatment that a doctor prescribes, there are also a number of things that may be done at home in order to lessen the burning sensation that the problem causes. Some of the best ones include:
Capsaicin Rinse
The use of capsaicin against burning mouth syndrome is like fighting fire with fire. While it may sound weird, it actually really works, according to those who have already tried it. What you need to do is dissolve a teaspoon of cayenne pepper extract in a cup of water, and let the mixture stay in the mouth for 20 to 40 seconds.
Try Baking Soda, Too
For those who cannot get their hands on cayenne pepper extract, they may simply opt for baking soda that’s super cheap and can be purchased practically everywhere. In a cup of water, a teaspoon and a half of baking soda should be dissolved. This should then be used as a mouth rinse.
Mint Tea
Chewing on 2 to 3 fresh mint leaves is one of the most effective solutions to the annoying sensation that comes with burning mouth syndrome. Alternately, a person who suffers from it may regularly consume freshly-brewed mint tea, which may also be used for rinsing the mouth with once allowed to cool to room temperature.
Aloe Vera Gel
Daubing aloe vera gel on areas of the mouth where the burning sensation is felt is also a wonderful home remedy. The gel should be allowed to stay in place for 15 to 20 minutes before being rinsed off with water. If the problem is all over the mouth, gargling with a little 100 percent pure aloe vera juice can be very beneficial.
Honey
Aside from aloe vera gel, it’s also possible for a little honey to be applied on localized areas affected by burning mouth syndrome. Of course the sticky and sweet syrup should be allowed to remain in place for several minutes. The best honey for the job is one that’s raw and organic to avoid introducing unwanted chemicals in the mouth.
Change Oral Care Products
Speaking of unwanted chemicals, it’s also a good idea for anyone who is bugged by burning mouth syndrome to switch to toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain all-natural ingredients. When shopping, the individual should carefully read the list of ingredients — something with sodium lauryl sulfate and other harsh ingredients should be ditched.
Feel free to share this article to let someone you know who has burning mouth syndrome get acquainted with some of the most effective home remedies for it.
