Information About Common Oral Conditions

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a benign condition that presents as a burning sensation in the absence of any obvious findings in the mouth and in the absence of abnormal blood tests. BMS affects around 2% of the population with women being up to seven times more likely to be diagnosed than men. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is defined as the sensation of burning or pain on the oral mucous membrane, without evidence of abnormalities in the direct inspection, clinical exam or subsidiary investigation. The goal of treatment is to manage the condition in hopes of obtaining some improvement. It is not treated and cured quickly.

The American Academy of Oral Medicine has excellent information on this topic.The cause is not known. Treatment involves trying different medications that have been shown to have benefit.

Dry Mouth

There are many causes of dry mouth. As we age we can take more medications. A dry mouth is a very common side effect of medications. Individualized treatment is based on the the severity of the dry mouth. When the oral dryness is caused by a medication, there is a possibility the condition may improve as the body adjusts to the medicine. There are also medications that can be tried to increase salivary flow.

Oral Lichen Planus

Oral Lichen Planus is a disease that can affect the skin and any lining mucosa. This could be the oral, esophageal, vaginal mucosa as well as the skin. Often, it is found only in the oral cavity. Overall, lichen planus affects approximately 2 percent of the population. Although the disorder may occur in all age groups, women over the age 50 years are most commonly affected.