Burning Mouth Syndrome Coping Strategies
These are some coping strategies that members of the Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) Facebook Group have tried and recommended. Each BMS sufferer is very individual, so you can try these and move on to another strategy if the first doesn't help you. Keeping a pain diary is a very important part of coping, so that you can see what works for you, and what doesn't.
Most Common Coping Strategies
Drinking
Eating
Sleeping
Whether it is cold or hot, staying well hydrated seems to help symptoms. The added bonus is that while drinking, there is a cessation of burning! Caffeine or acidic juices can bother some sufferers, so experiment and see if ithey are a trigger for you. But keep drinking water - 0 calories, refreshing and very good for you!
Eating also presses the pause button on the burning, but be intentional and snack on lower calorie, higher fiber foods that will give you a good chew while avoiding extra weight.
If you suffer from any food allergies, it may be good to experiment and see if any of your favorite foods are actually causing a reaction.
Research has shown us how important sleep is in general, but for BMS sufferers, it is particularly important. Sleep is usually a break from burning, and gives those firing nerves a rest. You may notice that when you are short on sleep, your pain may be more intense or less controllable. Sleep as much as you can. Your body will thank you!
Other Options
Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Counselor, Therapist
If the persistent pain of BMS is making you depressed, or you are having a hard time finding coping mechanisms that work for you, reach out to a professional for help.
Even a few sessions with a licensed counselor or therapist may give you ideas you may not have thought of, or a sympathetic ear to allow you to express your feelings without worrying about burdening a loved one.
If you are experiencing persistent depression (this is not unusual in people who are dealing with chronic pain) or are feeling suicidal, reach out immediately to your doctor.
Vitamins, Supplements, and More...
Many sufferers of BMS have vitamin deficiencies, and you should ask your doctor to run blood tests at the beginning to see if you have one or more.
For some lucky people, simply correcting this deficiency can give them relief. In any case, the more healthy you are, the better you are able to cope with chronic pain.
You may see herbal remedies (ex: Breneton) online, but be warned, we have no evidence that they work consistently for everyone.
Supplements like Alpha Lipoic Acid are often recommended by doctors, and worth a try!
Treating it Topically
There are some who have derived some relief from treating the burning of their tongue topically.
You will see many remedies (Magic Mouthwash, Capsaicin Rinses, Lidocaine mixtures, and more), and some may help some people, but the group has not heard of anything that consistently relieved pain for everyone.
These topical solutions are generally short-term, and some find them useful for when they are having a particularly bad day.