DEAR DR. GOTT: I have recently been diagnosed with burning-mouth syndrome. What can you tell me about the cause and treatment? I’ve found Breneton on the Internet. Is this a good treatment to try?
DEAR READER: Unfortunately, the cause of this condition can’t always be easily determined. It is thought to be related to problems with taste and sensory nerves of the peripheral or central nervous system; or it might be caused by a nutritional deficiency such as vitamin B, folate, iron or zinc. Direct links for the disorder can include an oral yeast infection, anxiety, depression, some medications, an underactive thyroid, reflux, hormonal imbalance or irritation to the mouth. Whatever the cause, the pain can affect your lips, tongue, gums, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth or all of the above.
Symptoms include numbness or tingling of the affected portion of your mouth, pain that worsens as the day progresses, a loss of taste and dry mouth. You may notice an unpleasant metallic taste. Whatever symptom or symptoms you have can occur every day or may come and go. This condition can last for years or may disappear without treatment.
Your doctor may choose to order blood tests, cultures to rule out viral/bacterial/yeast infection, allergy testing or even an MRI or CT to rule out other possible but unidentified health issues. If you suffer from dry mouth, a salivary test can confirm or rule out a reduction in salivary flow.
Treatment will depend on your specific symptoms. Mouthwashes, specific antidepressants, B vitamins, capsaicin as a pain reliever or behavioral therapy might be considered. On the home front, experiment with different toothpastes, drink additional fluids, refrain from using tobacco, and avoid foods with cinnamon or mint, as well as those high in acid, such as tomatoes and orange juice. Above all, make an effort to reduce the stress in your life, if appropriate. This might be accomplished with yoga or tai chi.
Breneton is a combination of rheum rhabarbarum, Indian olibanum tree, torchwood tree, ginger, operculina turpethum and scammony. My guess is as good as yours whether this will work or not. My guess? No.