If you're a woman who's approaching middle-age, you need to start paying closer attention to your mouth. Once you reach middle-age, you're susceptible to an increased number of dental problems. One of those dental problems is burning mouth syndrome, which is a condition that can be caused by hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, nerve damage, or even fungal infections. Burning mouth syndrome causes a burning and tingling sensation inside your mouth, especially on the tongue. It can also cause dry mouth. While the symptoms may come and go, there are some steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort associated with the syndrome.
Increase Your Fluid Intake
If you suffer from burning mouth syndrome, you need to increase your fluid intake, especially the amount of water you consume each day. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dry mouth, and can also reduce the burning sensation you feel in your throat. You can also relieve the discomfort by sucking on ice chips,or eating freezer pops.
Watch What You Eat
Burning mouth syndrome can be aggravated by the foods you eat, and the beverages you drink. To avoid mouth pain and discomfort, watch what you eat. Stay away from foods that are highly acidic, such as tomatoes, grapefruit or oranges. You should also limit the amount of spicy foods you consume, including cinnamon and other spices. When you experience a flare-up of symptoms, try to stick to a bland diet until the symptoms subside. Bland diets can help reduce the number, and severity, of the flareups you experience.
Avoid Alcohol
If you consume alcoholic beverages on a regular basis, you should limit your consumption. This is particularly true of hard alcohol. Alcohol, especially hard alcohol, can irritate the lining of your mouth and throat, which can bring on a flareup of burning mouth syndrome.
Switch Your Toothpaste
If you use a minty toothpaste, you should switch your toothpastes. When you suffer from burning mouth syndrome, minty toothpastes can cause the same effects as eating a minty, or spicy meal. Try using a toothpaste that's designed for sensitive teeth instead. If you use mouthwash, dilute it with water before gargling with it.
See Your Dentist
When you have burning mouth syndrome, it's important that you see your dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist will be able to provide you with additional treatment for the condition. If your symptoms become more severe, or your at-home treatment becomes ineffective, you should talk to your dentist as soon as possible. You may require medication for the treatment of the condition.
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