Treatment

Treatment depends on whether you have primary or secondary burning mouth syndrome.

Secondary burning mouth syndrome

For secondary burning mouth syndrome, treatment depends on any underlying conditions that may be causing your mouth discomfort.

For example, treating an oral infection or taking supplements for a vitamin deficiency may relieve your discomfort. That's why it's important to try to pinpoint the cause. Once any underlying causes are treated, your burning mouth syndrome symptoms should get better.

Primary burning mouth syndrome

There's no known cure for primary burning mouth syndrome and there's no one sure way to treat it. Solid research on the most effective methods is lacking. Treatment depends on your particular symptoms and is aimed at controlling them. You may need to try several treatment methods before finding one or a combination that helps reduce your mouth discomfort. And it may take time for treatments to help manage symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

• Saliva replacement products
• Specific oral rinses or lidocaine
• Capsaicin, a pain reliever that comes from chili peppers
• An anticonvulsant medication called clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Certain antidepressants
• Medications that block nerve pain
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to develop strategies to address anxiety and depression and cope with chronic pain