This page has been written by the Facial Pain Team based at the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals.
It is intended for use by patients (or their family and carers) under the care of the team at this hospital. It is not intended to replace discussion with your specialist. The aim of the page is to provide information about burning mouth syndrome. Please do not hesitate to speak with a member of our team if you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them for you.
Burning mouth syndrome is a condition which is characterized by a burning pain or unpleasant sensation confined to the lips or tongue or can be more widespread in the mouth.
The sensation can be continuous or may come and go. Sometimes it can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as a dry mouth or an unpleasant taste or feelings of numbness.
Some people find the symptoms can increase with talking, eating hot or spicy foods and in times of stress. Others have reported that symptoms can be reduced by some foods or drink, sleep or rest and distraction, although this is usually a temporary effect.
This condition can have a variety of symptoms and you may experience symptoms that we have not mentioned here. Sometimes you will see BMS referred to by other names such as glossodynia, glossopyrosis, oral dysaesthesia or stomatodynia.
It is thought that BMS can affect up to about four and a half percent of the population. We see about two or three patients with BMS each week.
BMS is more common in women than men. There is an increased occurrence in women around the menopause.
Burning sensation is not a symptom of mouth cancer or infection, but it may be caused by other diseases, deficiencies or occasionally by certain medications. Scientific studies suggest that in many people with the condition, changes occur in the way the mouth transmits warmth, cold and taste signals to the brain. This can result in pain, discomfort, or burning sensation. This is called “neuropathic pain” as it is caused by a change in the way the nerves transmit messages. We often do not know why this can happen.
Before a diagnosis can be made, we may need to take some blood for analysis to check for other conditions such as anaemia or vitamin deficiencies. If any abnormality is found, treating the underlying condition may alleviate the symptoms.
If any tests that we do are normal and all other potential causes have been excluded, then a diagnosis of Burning Mouth Syndrome can be made.
Living with ongoing physical symptoms can be a challenge. Some people find their symptoms do not have a major impact on their life, although they may find the symptoms annoying or frustrating. Others can find it more difficult to continue with activities and can find the symptoms very distressing. If you find that the symptoms are causing you to feel low or stop you undertaking your usual activities, then you may find it helpful to discuss this with your doctor.
At the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals you can be referred to our psychology team, who have experience in working with people with BMS. They will help you to learn ways of coping with the symptoms and to reduce the negative impact they have on your life.
BMS is usually a long-term condition. It is unlikely that medical treatment will be able to fully resolve BMS symptoms, but it may be able to improve some of the symptoms. Some people find medications used for neuropathic pain useful.
Psychological treatments have been shown to be of benefit to some patients. As this
condition can be long-term, it may be helpful to think about what you can do to manage the symptoms. If you find that you have stopped doing some things you enjoy because of your symptoms, you may want to think about how you can gradually return to some of these activities, or even consider developing new hobbies. Many people find doing enjoyable activities helpful, as it provides pleasure and a focus away from their condition.
If you find that stress increases your symptoms, you may find it helpful to consider what you can do to manage the stress. For example, some people find it helpful to undertake more physical exercise or activities such as yoga or meditation.
Making changes can be difficult; if you think you would benefit from help our clinical
psychologists can support you with thinking about ways to reduce the impact that BMS has on your life. A psychological approach will not take your symptoms away, but it can help you learn self-management strategies to address many of the effects of BMS.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for pain management has been shown to be very effective. For example, people who have attended a CBT programme may be doing more in spite of having pain, their mood may improve and they may be able to manage day to day life better. These are just a few of the ways that CBT can help.
Referral to a psychologist does not mean that we do not believe your pain is real or we think psychological factors are causing your symptoms. We recognise that a condition like BMS can have an impact on mood and activity and psychologists can help you to manage this.
The psychology service can offer a number of options depending on what is right for you. They can co-ordinate a BMS education session which can help you learn more about your condition or offer group and individual psychology sessions to help people learn skills for coping with burning mouth syndrome. Alternatively, psychological treatment may be available in your local area if this is more appropriate for you. You will be included in all discussions and decisions about your care.
- Neuropathic pain – pharmacological management. The pharmacological management of neuropathic pain in adults in non-specialist settings. Issued: November 2013 Updated: February 2017; NICE clinical guideline 173
- McMillan R, Forssell H, Buchanan JA, Glenny AM, Weldon JC, Zakrzewska JM. Interventions for treating burning mouth syndrome.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Nov 18;11:CD002779. Review.PMID: 27855478
Online support for chronic pain patients: www.
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Facial Pain Clinic
University College London Hospitals
250 Euston Road
London NW1 2PG
Direct line: 020 3456 1053 or 0203 456 1061
Email: uclh.
PALS is a patient-focussed service designed to provide a contact point to assist patients, relative and carers. We provide advice and information about the trust and provide support to resolve problems.
The PALS office is located in the main atrium of University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road London NW1 2BU.
Telephone: 020 3447 3042
Email: uclh.
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Page last updated: 26 May 2026
Review due: 01 May 2028