Natural Remedies for Burning Mouth Syndrome

This is my own DIY (I weigh 135lbs) 3000mcg B12 with 300mg Alpha Lipoic Acid in the morning, and 1000mcg B12 and 300mg Lipoic Acid after dinner. You can adjust and see what works for you.

Within just a week all the little lesions were gone from inside of my lips and my tongue barely had any sensitivity. As of today, 7/17/16 I've had 4 total days PAIN FREE. I've also been able to go back to brushing my teeth with my regular toothpaste with NO BURNING!! I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. I wish you all the best if you try this.

I have suffered terribly from BMS for about 2 years,tried lots of alternative treatments and none helped. I then started taking ALA 600 mg every day. It's gone !!! The only thing that I am not sure of is for how long I need to carry on taking it? Forever?

Anyway, I'll give you a background about what lead to this. So about 5 months ago I gave up red meat, then about 3 months ago I decided that wasn't so bad so maybe I will try vegan before 6 (aka VB6), then I decided to cut out meat all together, except for large get togethers or on the occasional weekend when I wanted to live it up. So when you go vegan I gave up eggs, dairy, and meat. I loved being vegan, felt great, was taking my b12 supplements, thought everything was fine. That was the case until I burned my tongue one evening eating what I thought was "warm" apple pie. Well I only burned it a little bit, like if you drank something that was too hot. Didn't think anything of it until the next afternoon around 3 pm when the tastebuds on my tongue started swelling up all around my tongue.

So the next couple weeks I went to some crappy doctors that were available at a health clinic and they couldn't figure it out, but gave me some serious pain meds (woohoo! ). They referred me to an oral surgeon who laughed me out of the office because apparently an oral surgeon wouldn't know what to do with this. Then I ended up calling my primary care physician - should have done this in the first place, but unfortunately by the time the pain was initially excruciating it was a Sunday. So he said I had thrush and that the BMS was secondary. He gave me a prescription for Mycelex and sent me on my way but said to call back in a few days if there were still issues.

Well I followed everything to a "T" and my tongue was still going crazy. I started adding things back into my diet - eggs, then yogurt, then white meats. Nothing. In the meantime I had gone in for some blood work, but they only tested me for a b12 deficiency (aka pernicious anemia) and HIV (which they forgot to do at the clinic but luckily I am happily married and was not too concerned about that test). So I vaguely remember mentioning to my doctor during our conversation that I had a slight history of anemia, nothing major just that I wasn't able to donate blood a couple times in my life.

Then a couple days ago I was having a conversation with my husband about how it's like my body is making me eat everything that I had cut out of my diet while I was vegan. Then I remembered that I hadn't eaten any red meat yet. So the next evening we made steak fajitas. The swelling started to go down within an hour, just a little bit, but enough that I could tell there was a difference. So then we went out and got some iron pills and I took one as soon as we got home. The next morning the swelling had gone down a bit more. So then I took another iron pill, had eggs for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch, and a cheeseburger for dinner, needless to say I am almost back to 100% feeling normal.

Now I haven't added any citric acid back in yet, I think I will give it another week just so I don't irritate anything, but I at least wanted to get this posted in case it helps someone rule it out. When I read the boards and heard there is no known cure if it is primary I got completely depressed, the thought of never being able to enjoy a glass of wine again or dinner out with my husband weighed heavily on me. I spent hours trying to figure it out and I hope that by posting this it might just help somebody else. Good luck everyone!!!

After 4 days of swish and spit with the Nystatin, my tongue and hurt more than ever and my lips were getting little cracks and fissures on the inside and I knew that was not thrush. I kept searching for answers and I read about B12 and probiotics and lysine and ALA. I went and bought those.

Yesterday I took all of those and one dose of sublingual B12. Today I only took one dose of sublingual B-12. About 20 minutes later my tongue started to "come back" I sat here amazed as I realized I now only have a small spot still feeling like it is burning. I have had this for over a month now. I am honestly shocked. And so happy. Burning mouth syndrome is very painful and constant.

So then I started researching BMS and B12 deficiency and I have been taking heartburn meds for over 20 years almost daily and I am over 50.
I guess your stomach cannot absorb the B12 and it takes up to 7 years to show the symptoms! Right now I just cannot believe my tongue and mouth are not killing me. I going to stop everything but the B12 drops since I want to confirm that is the cure.

What I did was try MOM [Milk of Magnesia]; big swig in mouth and hold there as long as can before spitting out. No rinsing. Then one drop therapeutic Frankincense vitality on softest possible dry toothbrush and brushed thoroughly on teeth, above gumline, and tongue gently.

Try not to rinse with water right away.

I did this treatment twice a day for 3 days. Then added a day again if flared up.

Hydrogen peroxide seemed to bring it back on.

I also upped my probiotics.

God Bless.

"This is the day that the Lord has made,

I will rejoice and be glad in It! "

The fact that you are still praying tells me that "you are a woman of faith."

"You believe that what you are asking God for can happen." While we are in that waiting place, we have to take up a declaration and a song, which God puts in our hearts.

Let no one still your joy, and don't you give it away! I often have to catch myself here. During my trouble, if I am not doing something I enjoy, I may be worrying. We protect our joy by: (1) Maintaining a right attitude, (Now I tell you the truth, if its hormones I take a 400 to 800 IU Vitamin E or I just keep saying "Jesus" until I feel the burden and weight lifted.), (2) Speaking Bible declarations, (3) And by singing a song God gives us.

The woman who had the issue of blood for years in Matthew Chapter 9 kept saying within herself, “If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.”

Here are some declarations that have brought me through some sickness and infirmities and tough times.

(1) I have touched the hem of His Garment and I shall be healed

(2) "With His stripes I am healed"

(3) In Him I live and move and have my being.

(4) "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in It."

This is how we keep giving our troubles and pain to God. We chase away worry with scriptures, songs and thoughts of good and lovely things.

You are praying for us, and we will be praying for you. You have the victory!

HisJewel

Anyway, after about a week or two of these "episodes", my neck began to ache (all over, front and back) and my throat started to burn. It was awful. Gradually, I began feeling strange sensations in my tongue, which soon changed to a burning feeling- around the sides, at the tip, and even on the top. It was bizarre and terrifying to have such unusual symptoms. Eventually, my tongue even felt very sore, so sore that I talked a little funny at times (b/c I was "babying" my tongue, I think).

While experiencing all of this, between early-March and early-June 2012, I saw my PCP 3x, an ENT, a GI (APRN), and a neck/back specialist. (I also went to the ER once where I was seen, diagnosed with a sore throat, and sent home.) I felt terrible and was so desperate for some relief! (By the way, blood work and neck x-rays were negative.) A few docs, including the ER MD, felt I had a virus (for which I was first given Ibuprofen/Tylenol and later antibiotic treatments), then a few other docs suspected acid reflux. I couldn't believe that acid reflux could cause me to feel so terrible especially since I was unaware of any symptoms! Although I wanted to dismiss reflux as a possible cause, I was feeling desperate, so I tried whatever was recommended, including Maalox (2 tbsp) at bedtime (recommended by 1 ENT), then prescription medication (for reflux) in the A. M. (such as Aciphex), always 1/2 hour before breakfast (recommended by the GI APRN). With time, I felt a little improvement, but not much. So I continued to doubt the whole reflux theory; I spent so much time in fear that I had a serious illness. Why else would I feel so awful with such unusual symptoms?

Finally, my PCP sent me to a second ENT in early/mid June, about three weeks ago (for a second ENT opinion). He listened, answered all of my questions, and majorly eased my fears. While he suggested Burning Mouth Syndrome as a possibility (maybe caused by anxiety/depression, a hormonal imbalance or neuropathy), he too, felt that acid reflux might be the culprit and needed to be ruled out first. (Note: He didn't see signs and symptoms of a vitamin deficiency or thrush or lichen planus, which can cause burning mouth). He just asked me to be patient and follow his recommendations...

He seemed to be really knowledgeable; For one thing, I was impressed as he was the only doctor I saw who knew a considerable amount about BMS! (He said he had seen about 30 cases in 15 years, almost all women.) Anyway, he disagreed with the other ENT I had seen and the GI I had seen re: their treatment recommendations for possible reflux, at least in my case. He said that I had "silent reflux", which explained why I was unaware of any symptoms. He said that Maalox at bedtime wasn't enough, and taking medication in the a.m. (I. E. Aciphex) wasn't doing me any good as I was experiencing "silent reflux" at NIGHT. He recommended Zegrid (over the counter, 20 mg) for 4 weeks; he wanted me to take it in the evening rather than the a.m. Again, I was doubtful, wondering if, again, I was just wasting my time and money. (This has gotten quite expensive as I'm sure you can imagine! ) Anyway, it's been almost 3 weeks and I'm feeling MUCH, MUCH better! Seriously, I went from being on the verge of tears (almost nightly) due to tongue discomfort, and gargling with Maalox (and other remedies) multiple times a day to rarely thinking about my tongue (d/t a lack of discomfort) and no gargling (with one exception, which I'll mention in a minute). My pain, on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst) went from about an average of 8 to an average of 1 or 2! :) The choking feeling stopped first, then the burning in my throat went away; gradually, the aches and pains in my neck ceased, and finally my tongue burning and soreness subsided! But it did take time (3 weeks and counting) and patience like the doc said.

In short, I felt I just had to write and post on "Earth Clinic" b/c I had visited this website many times while trying to find relief for my burning/painful tongue. Others provided me with some helpful suggestions (and support), so I figured now it's my turn to (hopefully) help others.

In conclusion, here are my thoughts having been through this burning tongue/bottom lip/throat nightmare myself: First of all, while very uncomfortable, don't panic and don't think the worst (like I did). Be persistent (with your doctor), experiment with various remedies (from sucking on ice to gargling with Maalox), and, most importantly, be patient and positive (if at all possible)... Remember, it took 3 months for me to find a doctor with the right "remedy" and then weeks of using the this remedy (20 mg Zegerid OTC in the evening x 28 days) for me to feel ALMOST total relief. Seriously, I never thought I'd see this day (a couple of months back)!

Please note, I started taking folic acid and Vit. B Stress pills (in the A. M.) at about the same time I started taking Zegerid. I also started brushing my teeth (and gargling) with Biotene 2x/day awhile back. I figured I had nothing to lose. While I don't think I have (or ever had) a vitamin deficiency, I started taking vitamins b/c it was suggested by others with BMS symptoms. The ENT said my tongue would be bright red and shiny, which it wasn't, if I was suffering from a vitamin deficency. Just thought I should mention this anyway...

Good Luck to anyone suffering from a burning mouth/tongue. I know it's terrible, but I really think you can find some relief if you're able to get to the root of the problem. It may take awhile and, unfortunately, quite a bit of money, but it can be done, so please don't lose hope! Strive to meet with a doctor familiar with the various causes of BMS as this should save you a lot of time and unnecessary (and costly) doctor visits.

All My Best, Ashley

When I finally saw the ENT, he was very helpful. He looked at the tongue and mouth, and right away, he said he could see that I had the habit of running my tongue over my teeth. I was probably doing it many, many times a day without noticing it, like a nervous tic. The diagnosis was burning tongue syndrome, but he was sure it was caused by this habit. He said : the good news is there is nothing wrong with you. The bad news is I can't help you.

He said the only thing to do is to be conscious when I am moving my tongue in my mouth, specially when I am running it over my teeth. Then, consciously make the effort to just relax my tongue at the bottom of my mouth. It will go away once you relax.

In my case, he was right. I started noticing how much I move my tongue in my mouth specially when I am stressed. It feels like it's in constant motion. Worst in the afternoon, when stress level is rising and I start feeling tired. So I started by making a point to take breaks at work. I would sit down for about 15 minutes, breath, and relax the tongue at the bottom of my mouth. At first it felt weird, like it wouldn't relax. What helps is gathering saliva in my mouth ( sorry if it sounds gross! ) and kind of let the tongue bathe in the saliva. It seems to relax better that way. I also try to relax my whole face, and the jaw during this little session ( I am always surprised how tense my face can be! ) . After about a week of doing this a few times a day, I really started to see some improvement.

I am pretty much symptom free now, but I get the burning feeling once in a while, specially late afternoon, during stressful hectic days, or when I am worried. Then I make a point of doing this relaxing exercise and it just goes away on it own again.

I am easily stressed and tense. Some people bite their nails. I knew I was a lip chewer, but I hadn't realize I was also obsessively rubbing my tongue on my teeth, and that is what was causing my tongue problem.

I sincerely hope it can help someone else.

I was taking Jamba Juice greens, thinking it has only natural fructose from fruits and green verges but I guess not, it also has some kind of sugar that triggered it again. I am trying hard to get rid of the symptoms but it is not helping. It has gotten worse than the one I suffered 10 years before. But I am confident that controlling the diet, ( eliminating all the sugars and sodas, dairy and wheat, ( even wheat bread with 100% whole wheat will sometimes triggers it, eat it when you are symptom free) white pasta and white rice. Just, eating the greens with proteins (good meats) brushing teeth with baking soda and coconut oil, using biotene mouth wash, swishing mouth with coconut oil and also taking vitamin C and vitamin Bs, Alpha Lipioic Acid and minerals will help) That's what I am doing and hopefully it will get better in few months. It takes time for it to go away. I am hopeful.

I am having few good days in a week already where it is 50% to 80% relief. Please the first thing you do is, quit the sugar for good if you have BMS. Even though honey is non-acidic food, is not good with BMS because you never know if it's really honey or sugar syrup. Nowadays you can not trust on anything if it pure or junk. Even vitamins are not what they say on the label. Every thing is full of chemicals and GMO.

What should we eat? At least, I figured what not to eat: "SUGAR" dairy and wheat.

I read something on the Mayo Clinic that many times it's not just one issue that causes burning mouth syndrome- but a few different reasons. So far, this has made sense for me. I was trying to eat more healthy so I cut out a lot of foods out of my diet. My main was that I was only drinking water. I think this led to a vitamin deficiency. After reading this thread I started with Michel's doses. Helped a ton but didn't totally get rid of it. My tongue felt raw and almost swollen now.

I just went through a process of elimination. What had changed around the time I started with the symptoms? For me, with my hopes of a healthier lifestyle, I had switched to a metal water bottle that I was continuously drinking out of through out the day. I read about an oral allergy to nickel. I stopped using the bottle 24 hours ago and have noticed a drastic change. Obviously everyone is different, but there has to be someone that may have the same issue. Reading forums I felt so defeated. Mostly I have realized that it's a process, but by process of elimination, you can most likely find the source of your pain.

I tried almost every home remedy mentioned here. Don't know which one worked but he is symptom free after one week! The things I tried are attached in image here.. Also mentioning in brief:

1. Baking soda rinse

2. Brushing with baking soda instead of tooth paste

3. Stop using mouth wash

4. Folic acid supplements

5. Glycerin rinse

6. Lavender oil application

7. ALA (alpha lipoic acid)600mg a day

8. Honey application

9.drink honey with milk

10. B complex supplement

11. Topical anesthetic like lidocaine ( I didn't try this one)

12. Capsaicin local application ( didn't try this one)

13. Oil of oregano (drink one or two drops in water with meal daily ) ( didn't try this one too)

14. This may also be due to fungal infection in mouth or glossitis. So, make an appointment with your doc to check.

15. Antidepressant may help in some cases as I found on internet. ( try to reduce stress and exercise daily)

Hope this helps some one!! Keep trying. For this condition you are on your own to find cause and remedy.

Oh this next one is a good one - This Dental Surgeon was recommended by a dentist in my area. I drove way across town to see this Dentist. This Dental Surgeon had the nurse take my blood pressure then he asked me a few questions then said he would call my Primary Dr. and have her stop my two meds - Amitriptelyne and my blood pressure meds. So, I paid $75.00 for the Dental Surgeon to have his nurse take my blood pressure and he to make a phone call. I am still furious about this. I can eat - that's when I get relief but I can't be constantly eating, I drink lots of water, sugar free gum, sugar free lozenges, lidocaine, dental paste helps. The meds I've been on are:

FLUCONAZOLE, MONTELUKSAT, CLOTRIMAZOLE, MAGICMOUTH WASH, TRIAMCINOLONE PASTE, PREDISONE, LIDOCAINE, GABAPENTIN.

i'VE HAD ALL THE BLOOD WORK DONE BY MY PRIMARY CARE DR. AND ALL WAS NORMAL

i'VE HAD ALL THE ALLERGY TESTS DONE AND ALL WAS NORMAL.

I EVEN WENT TO OUR UPSTATE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL WHERE I SPENT 7 HOURS. MANY DOCTORS LOOKED AT AND TALKED WITH ME AND NOT ONE OF THEM KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT BMS. I am at my wits end in dealing with this situation every waking moment. IF WE CAN SEND A MAN TO THE MOON WHY CAN'T OUR MEDICAL RESEARCHERS FIND A QUICK SOLUTION FOR THIS TERRIBLE CONDITION?

I experienced this horrible ailment 12 years ago, as a 50 year old Caucasian female blood type A , after I had gone through the silver filing removal process, replacing with composite material. A sudden, severe burning reaction occurred in the dental chair. To find the solution, took a lot of research on my own, trial and error, but lo and behold, success at last. I am also a "supertaster".

It was truly miserable to live with this ailment. I was driven to find a solution and finally did. It took a couple of years to figure it out, but life is good once again.

This all came on as I had an underlining condition back in 2008. It was a Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood Clot) at the age of 38 between my stomach and my small intestines. It was removed along with 3 ft of small intestine that died. My symptoms started back in 2007 around thanksgiving, with my mouth, then it moved to my arm then my stomach and here I am. Thank God they found it or I could of died. I pray that God will cure all our diseases. I pray that all that are suffering, they are healed. This is so hard as it is not seen. Very unhappy. Thanks god bless

What I did to stop the pain:

I started oil pulling with olive oil every other night for about 15 to 30 min. Than I did the same with baking soda every night for 1 minute than spit it out... Every morning I would gargle with milk of magnesia than spit it out. That what I did and I'm still doing it. No more pain.

I cured it with Oregon Grape Root.

I bought empty capsules, size 00, 1 pound of organic Oregon Grape root powder and a encapsulation machine, all on amazon. With my 210 pounds bodyweight, my dosage was 4 times daily 6 capsules. The pain got away at the fourth day of treatment. I halved the dosage after one week and took the capsules two more month. After a year, the problem came back and I used the same method again, with positive results. Before trying this, please adjust the dosage to your bodyweight.

I wish you all the best.

Molosser

But even still she would say that her mouth was burning, and it felt like her taste buds had been burned off and she couldn't taste anything. I wondered if it was a delayed covid reaction since we had covid a month ago.

Then it dawned on me. Burning mouth syndrome. I have read about it here on Earth Clinic many times. I tried to remember what remedies I had read about, and it hit me. Her toothpaste. She uses one with SLS. I told her my suspicion and told her not to use her toothpaste anymore.

The next day I bought her some Burt's Bees toothpaste. She has been using it ever since and now her mouth is fine! I know it isn't such an easy fix for many people, but it is surely an easy thing to try first!

~Mama to Many~

Started mega doses of subliminal B12 and alpha lipoic acid. Probably over 2400mgs a day. Got maybe 50% better. Then read where there are 2 versions of ala. An E type and S type. Most supplements have both forms but your body can only assimilate the R version. Have been on that version for almost a week now. 2400mg a day. Also super b complex.

I traced my beginning issues back to when I was put on gabapentin for anxiety. Have been on 1600mg a day for almost a year. Have backed that off to night time only at 400mg and will watch for withdrawal symptoms and discuss with my doctor in two weeks. Some sites say GABA helps bms other sites say it makes the symptoms worse.

I'm at my wits end with this hanging over my head from morning till night.