Signs and symptoms
... Burning mouth syndrome affects up to 4 percent of U.S. adults — women seven times as often as men. It generally occurs in middle-aged or older adults. But it may occur in younger people as well....

Causes
... The possible causes of burning mouth syndrome are many and complex. Each of the following possible causes applies to only a small portion of all people who complain of a burning mouth. More than one-t...

When to seek medical advice
... If you have persistent pain or soreness in your tongue, lips, gums or other areas of your mouth, see your doctor. Your doctor can search for the possible cause or causes to guide treatment.

Screening and diagnosis
... Your doctor will review your medical history, examine your mouth and ask you to describe your symptoms, your oral habits and your oral care routine. In addition, he or she will likely perform a genera...