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Burning Mouth Syndrome: Causes and its Homeopathic Treatment

Burning mouth syndrome refers to a condition in which there occurs burning in the mouth. Burning mainly occurs on the tongue but can also occur on the lips, gums, roof of the mouth or inside the cheeks or in some cases the entire mouth. The burning can occur immediately after waking up in the morning and remain for the whole day. In some cases, burning sensation may not be felt in the morning but starts and keeps worsening in the later part of the day. This syndrome can occur suddenly or gradually over time. The intensity of the symptoms can be from mild to severe. The symptoms may remain constant or may come and go. Some other symptoms can attend the burning. These include changes in taste like bitter taste, metallic taste, or sometimes loss of taste, dryness in the mouth, and tingling/stinging sensation in mouth.

Causes Of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome could be primary or secondary. If there is no clear reason behind the burning sensation, it is termed primary burning mouth syndrome. In this case, damage to the nerves of tongue is considered to be the reason. In cases where some underlying medical condition or a reason is leading to it, then it is termed secondary burning mouth syndrome. Some examples of such underlying causes include oral lichen planus, fungal infection in mouth, dry mouth, and geographic tongue.

Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that tends to cause white lacy patterned lesions in the mouth (on inner cheeks, gums, lips, tongue or palate). In some cases, red swollen patches form in the mouth. The lesions are painful, may have burning sensation, and sometimes can bleed as well.

Fungal infection in the mouth is known as oral thrush. It causes white or creamy lesions in the mouth. These can develop on tongue, inside cheeks, on gums, and roof of the mouth. Burning and pain can be felt in these lesions.

Geographic tongue refers to the inflammatory condition of tongue characterized by formation of smooth, red bald patches on the tongue that gives the tongue a map-like or geographic appearance. The acid from the stomach going into the mouth (GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease) or allergy to some food or some product used for mouth care can lead to a geographic tongue.

Apart from the above–mentioned reasons, other causes may include biting the tongue tip, brushing the tongue harshly, excessive use of mouthwash, a dental procedure, eating excessive acidic food/drink, and lack of nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. The use of certain medicines like clonazepam, captopril, fluoxetine, hormone replacement therapies, and psychological problems, like stress, anxiety and depression, may also cause burning in the mouth. People who are above 50 yrs of age and those who smoke are at risk of suffering from burning mouth syndrome. Women are at a greater risk than men, especially around menopause or after menopause.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy carries a great scope in treating cases of burning mouth syndrome. Homeopathic medicines help in gradually decreasing the burning sensation. Besides, they work wonderfully in managing any associated symptoms like change in taste, dryness of mouth, pain and stinging sensation in the mouth. They work magnificently in reducing burning in mouth and other symptoms by targeting the root cause behind it. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for treating these cases is selected after detailed analysis in every individual case. The best part of homeopathic medicines is that they work in the most natural way to treat a condition and there are no side effects of these medicines.

Homeopathic Medicines For Burning Mouth Syndrome

1. Arsenic Album – Top Remedy

Arsenic Album is the most recommended medicine to manage cases of burning in the mouth. Those needing it have marked burning especially on the tongue. It is attended with bitter or sour taste in the mouth. The tongue feels dry with excessive thirst. The tongue appears white like chalk.

2. Merc Sol – With Bitter Or Metallic Taste

Merc Sol is an effective medicine for burning in the mouth along with bitter or metallic taste. Besides the burning sensation, the tongue is dry and red with dark spots. The tongue is also swollen along with pain. Pricking type of pain is felt on the tongue. Applying pressure on the tongue with fingers is painful. Ulcers or cracks may be present on the tongue. In some cases, loss of taste may be there. There is foul breath. Fungal infection in mouth may be present.

3. Iris Versicolor – With Burning Like Fire

This medicine is of great use in cases where burning is felt in the mouth as if from fire. There may be loss of taste. Tongue turns white, as if covered with a greasy substance. Mouth may be inflamed along with burning and pain. Inside the cheeks, ulcers may be present. There may be discharge of ropy saliva. This medicine is also a leading medicine to manage cases of acid reflux where stomach acid flows back to the food pipe and mouth.

4. Arum Triphyllum – For Burning Along With Soreness

Arum Triphyllum is useful in cases of burning mouth with marked soreness (pain on touch). Burning may also be felt in the throat. Tongue is cracked and painful, along with burning. The tongue is very dry and rough. Bleeding may occur from the tongue. A discharge of thick mucus from the mouth may appear. Bad smell tends to emanate from the mouth.

5. Belladonna – With Dryness Of Mouth

Belladonna is a highly valuable medicine to manage cases of burning along with marked dryness in the mouth. Dryness is marked on the tongue, lips, inside cheeks and roof of the mouth. Excessive thirst is felt. Mouth is red, swollen and inflamed. The taste in the mouth may be sour, bitter or bad. The tongue is white in the center with red edges. The tongue is painful to touch.

6. Apis Mellifica – For Burning On Tongue With Intense Redness

This medicine can be used for cases of burning on the tongue along with intense redness. The tongue is dry. Swelling on the tongue may be present. Shooting type of pain may occur. In some cases, prickling sensation is felt on the tongue. Sometimes vesicles (tiny fluid-filled bumps) are present on the tongue with burning and stinging pain. Sticky, frothy saliva is present in the mouth.

7. Nitric Acid – Along With Stinging Pain

This medicine is helpful in relieving burning sensation in the mouth attended with stinging pain. Mouth is bright red and may be swollen. Bitter taste in the mouth remains after eating. The tongue is dry with cracks. It is sensitive even to soft food. Ulcers may be quite prominent on the lips, tongue edges and inside the cheeks. There may be increased salivation.

8. Sulphur – With Metallic Taste

Sulphur is well indicated when there is metallic taste in the mouth, besides burning. The mouth and palate are dry. There is excessive thirst. Vesicles may appear in the mouth. Tongue is white with redness on the tip and borders.

9. Natrum Mur – With Loss Of Taste

This medicine is considered when burning in mouth is accompanied by loss of taste. Burning occurs in the mouth but is the most marked on the tip of the tongue. There may be mapped/geographic tongue. Tongue is coated white with red patches. A sensation of hair on the tongue is felt. Mouth, lips and tongue are dry. Mouth is painful and sensitive even to liquid food. Ulcers may be present on the tongue, inside cheeks or gums with burning.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Stomatitis

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Stomatitis refers to inflammation inside the mouth. The mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the mouth is affected. The inflammation can occur inside the cheeks, and on tongue, inner side of lips, gums or palate. In stomatitis sores, blisters, ulcers may also form inside the mouth.

Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathic medicines are very effective in treating cases of stomatitis. These are very safe and natural medicines that help to reduce the redness and inflammation in mouth and heal the sores, blisters, ulcers in mouth. These medicines help by aiming to treat the root cause behind it. These also effectively manage attending symptoms like pain, soreness, burning, stinging sensation inside the mouth. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for a given case is selected as per the signs and symptoms in every individual case.

Homeopathic Medicines For Stomatitis

1. Merc Sol – Top-Grade Medicine

It is a highly recommended medicine for managing cases of stomatitis. In cases needing it, there is redness inside the mouth. Along with this, blisters or ulcers are present. The ulcers can be present inside the cheeks, tongue, lips or the gums. The ulcers have a white or yellow base and red inflamed edges. Burning sensation is marked in the ulcers. Along with this, there is profuse flow of saliva. Offensive smell from mouth is present. It is well-indicated for managing fungal infection of the mouth (thrush). Besides, inflammation of the tongue and pricking type of pain is felt.

2. Borax – For Marked Redness In Mouth With Ulcers

It is another prominently indicated medicine for cases in which mouth is very red along with ulcers. It is attended with dryness and heat in the mouth. The ulcers are mostly present on the inner surface of the cheek and on the tongue. These have a tendency to bleed easily. In some cases, blisters appear on the tongue which are very painful. Every movement of the tongue causes pain. The taste of the mouth gets bitter. It is a very useful medicine for cases of oral thrush.

3. Natrum Mur – For Cold Sores

It is a leading medicine for managing cases of cold sores. In cases needing it, small blisters are present around the mouth. These occur usually on the lips attended with burning sensation. Afterwards these get covered with a scab. The scab falls off after some days and a red spot remains back for few days. Natrum Mur is also well indicated for cases when there is soreness in mouth which is highly sensitive even to liquids. Next indication for using it is blisters and ulcers in mouth, cheeks, gums, tongue. These have a smarting and burning pain when touched by food. Profuse saliva with constant spitting can attend it.

4. Petroleum – For Sore Mouth With Ulcers Inside Cheeks

This medicine is very effective for cases in which there is sore mouth along with ulcers inside the cheeks. It is accompanied with dry mouth. An offensive, fetid smell emanates from the mouth. The tongue is white in the centre with dark streaks along edges in addition to the above symptoms.

5. Nitric Acid – For Sore, Red Mouth With Burning, Stinging Pain

It is a well indicated medicine for cases having red, sore mouth with intense burning and stinging pain. The mouth is bright red in such cases. Next it is indicated for mouth ulcers attended with splinter like pain. In cases requiring it, the mucous membrane in the mouth is swollen and ulcerated. The ulcers are present inside cheeks, the edges of the tongue and also on lips. The gums may also be tender. This medicine is also indicated when the mucous membrane inside the cheeks comes between the teeth and gets easily bitten. In such cases, swelling and ulceration with pricking pain is there.

6. Kali Iodatum – For Swollen Mouth With Heat In Entire Mouth

This medicine is beneficial for cases presented with swelling inside the mouth attended with marked heat in it. Irregular superficial ulcers may be there on the mucous lining of the mouth. These look white as if coated with milk. There may be burning blisters in the mouth in some cases needing it. There is an increased salivation along with other symptoms.

7. Sulphuric Acid – For Painful Ulcers In Mouth

This medicine works well in persons having painful ulcers in the mouth. The ulcers may be white or yellow coloured. The entire inner surface of the may be affected. It is an important medicine for cases of oral thrush. Apart from these indications, Sulphuric Acid also offers help when there are blisters inside the cheeks.

8. Iris Versicolor – For Stomatitis With Burning Pain

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant commonly named as ‘Blue flag’. Use of this medicine is considered when there is marked burning pain in mouth in cases of stomatitis. The burning is very intense with profuse flow of saliva. Lastly, ulcers on the mucous lining of cheeks can be there.

9. Cantharis – For Redness And Blisters In Mouth

This medicine is indicated when there is redness and blisters in the mouth. The blisters may be small or large in size. Burning and dryness in mouth is felt with this.

What are its signs and symptoms?

The symptoms includes pain, irritation, soreness inside the mouth. Burning (oral dysaesthesia) or stinging sensation in the mouth may also be there. Red patches in the mouth can be seen. There may also occur sores, blisters or ulcers inside the mouth. The ulcers may be white or yellow in colour, and have a red base.

What are Different Types Of Stomatitis?

There are two main types of stomatitis. First is aphthous stomatitis / canker sore. Second is herpes stomatitis, also named as cold sore.

1. Apthous stomatitis/ canker sores

In this round or oval ulcers that can be white or yellow with red outer ring develop. These are non-contagious. The ulcer can be single or multiple in clusters. These can form inside cheeks, lips or tongue. These can be painful. The sores can be small or large in size varying from case to case. Smaller ones usually heal in 7 – 14 days with no scars left while large ones can take 6 weeks or sometimes more than that to heal. The large sores can leave scars. The canker sores can run in families.

2. Herpes stomatitis / cold sore.

These are caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus) and are very contagious. In this type, multiple blisters form usually around or on the lips mostly at the edge of mouth. Before formation of blisters, burning, tingling, sensation and tenderness may be felt. Fever may also be present few days before the appearance of blisters. The blisters that form are small and filled with fluid, and are attended with pain. Afterward, these dry up and crust forms on it. In some cases, blisters can burst and form ulcers. Infection may sometimes occur in these ulcers. This infection resolve within 7 – 10 days.

What Are Causes And Factors That Can Cause it?

It can arise from various causes and factors.

1. It firstly includes deficiency of nutrients including vitamin B-12, iron, folic acid or zinc and also a dry mouth.

2. Next is trauma from braces, ill-fitting dentures or from accidental biting inside cheeks. It may occur also occur from burns caused by eating hot food or drinking hot liquids. Irritation from strong chemicals, some allergic reactions, food sensitivities to some food items (eg, nuts, coffee, eggs, citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate) may also result in stomatitis. Smoking or tobacco chewing is yet another cause.

3. Another reason is infections that can be bacterial or viral infection like herpes and yeast infection like thrush.

4. Use of certain medications (eg, some antibiotics, sulfa drugs), radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment for cancer may also cause it.

5. Sores in the mouth can arise from some diseaseslike crohn’s disease, lupus, celiac disease and Behcet’s disease.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in any part of digestive tract from mouth to anus.

Lupus / SLE systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which inflammation occur in different body systems. It can have various signs and symptoms among which some common ones are pain and swelling of joints, red rashes usually on face, mouth ulcers, hair loss, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten ( gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) by a person leads to an immune reaction in his / her small intestine resulting in its damage.

Behcet’s disease is a rare disorder in which there is inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Among its various signs and symptoms, some of the common ones are painful mouth sores, skin rash, eye inflammation and genital sores.

6. Stomatitis may also occur in some sexually transmitted infections – STI’s (eg. HIV).

7. Lastly, these can occur from weakened immune system and stress.

To 5 Natural Homeopathic Medicines for Recurrent Mouth Ulcers

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 602 Comments

Mouth ulcers (also known as aphthous ulcers or canker sores) are shallow, painful sores inside the mouth. They appear as painful white or yellow ulcers surrounded by a bright red area. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Nearly everyone suffers from mouth ulcers at one time or the other in their lives. Most would also agree that these insignificant-looking ulcers can cause major discomfort. For some people, the irritation and pain can be so troublesome that it tends to disrupt their daily life. Besides the pain, mouth ulcers have another troublesome feature associated with them- ‘frequent recurrence.’ These ulcers tend to occur very frequently in some people. It is a common issue with mouth ulcers that while the first lot is not fully healed, new ulcers are already on their way. Mouth ulcers (apthae) also tend to occur in crops or multiple numbers. The most common sites places where mouth ulcers appear are inside of the lips, inside of the cheeks, base of gums, under the tongue, on the palate. Ulcers on the tongue are also fairly common.

Homeopathic medicines for mouth ulcers work well to treat the ulcers quickly, and also help to prevent their recurrence. These are natural medicines for treatment of mouth ulcers that help during the acute phase of the condition in reducing pain as well as the duration of ulcers. Conventional treatment for recurrent mouth ulcers involves pain management and lowering of the healing time of the ulcer. However, conventional treatment does not cure the ulcers permanently as it usually advises using a rinse of saltwater, antiseptic liquids, baking soda or steroid to reduce the pain, but the underlying cause remains the same. This increases the tendency to develop ulcers again and again. However, homeopathic medicines for mouth ulcers work by naturally treating the cause of the problem. Homeopathy medicines help heal mouth ulcers quickly by speeding up the healing process.

Homeopathic medicines, along with healing ulcers, also assist in managing associated complaints of pain, tenderness, burning sensation, bleeding from ulcers, mouth dryness / excessive salivation. Any offensive odor from mouth is also reduced with these medicines.

Mouth ulcers can arise from various reasons and to get long-term results, that cause needs to be addressed. Homeopathic medicines always aim at treating the root cause behind recurrent mouth ulcers to give complete cure. Homeopathic medicines boost the body’s self-healing mechanism to fight with the cause to ensure natural recovery. For complete recovery in homeopathy, one needs to complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed by a homeopath.

Homeopathic medicines to treat recurrent mouth ulcers is selected individually for every case at all the times. The peculiar symptoms associated with mouth ulcers serve as the key to find the correct homeopathic prescription for every case. To obtain best results, one should take any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic doctor.

As well-known, homeopathy is a natural healing science due to which it has zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines are suitable to treat recurrent mouth ulcers in persons of any age group and always offer help without worry of any sort of adverse reactions.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Mouth Ulcers

Merc Sol, Borax, Nitric Acid, Arsenic Album and Kali Iodatum are some common medicines used for treating mouth ulcers.

1. Merc Sol – Top Medicine for Mouth Ulcers

Merc Sol is a leading medicine for treating mouth ulcers and is often considered the first line of treatment for mouth ulcers. It is indicated for all kind of ulcers whether small or big and in severe cases, where the mouth is inflamed with burning aphthous ulcers with a lot of salivation. In cases needing it, flat ulcers with red, inflamed edges on the tongue and the inside of the lips and cheeks are present. The ulcers are painful too. A foul, metallic taste is felt in the mouth. Merc Sol not only hastens the healing of ulcers and reduces the pain, but it also eradicates the tendency of frequent mouth ulcers.
When to use Merc Sol?
Merc Sol is highly recommended to treat mouth ulcers with red, inflamed margins, pain, and burning sensation with increased salivation.
How to use Merc Sol?
This medicine is mainly used in 30C power once a day.

2. Borax – For Mouth Ulcers that Bleed Easily

Borax is a highly effective medicine to treat ulcers that have a tendency to bleed easily when touched, or during eating. Other key indications for borax to be used are dryness in the mouth with rapid formation of the ulcers. The ulcers appear in the mouth especially on the inner surface of the cheeks. It is also used for mouth ulcers in infants and babies.
When to use Borax?
Borax is highly recommended to manage mouth ulcers having a tendency to bleed along with dryness in the mouth.
How to use Borax?
Both low and high potencies of this medicine work well, however, it is advised to begin with its 30C potency that can be taken one or two times a day.

3. Nitric Acid – For Mouth Ulcers with Severe Pain

Nitric Acid is a beneficial medicine for managing mouth ulcers accompanied with marked pain. The ulcers appear on the soft palate, within the cheeks and on the edges of the tongue. The pain in the ulcers is sticking type like that from a splinter. Salivation is increased and a bad odor emanates from the mouth.
When to use Nitric Acid?
This medicine is well indicated for treating mouth ulcers that are very painful with a splinter (a small sharp piece of wood or glass) like pain.
How to use Nitric Acid?
It is recommended to use this medicine once a day in 30C power.

4. Arsenic Album – For Mouth Ulcers With Burning Sensation

Arsenic Album is an important medicine to help cases of mouth ulcers when burning sensation is present. There is dryness in the mouth with intense thirst for water. Bitter, sour or metallic taste is felt in the mouth.
When to use Arsenic Album?
Arsenic Album is a very suitable medicine to treat mouth ulcers that have marked burning sensation along with dry mouth.
How to use Arsenic Album?

It can be taken in 30C potency once a day.

5. Kali Iodatum – For Mouth Ulcers With Irregular Shape And White Coating Like Milk

Kali Iodatum is a well-indicated medicine for mouth ulcers where irregular shaped ulcers appear in the mucous membrane of the mouth. The ulcers are white and appear as if coated with milk. Along with the ulcerative condition of the mouth, copious salivation, offensive mouth odor, heat in the mouth, swelling and bitterness in the mouth are some other symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.
When to use Kali Iodatum?
This medicine is of great use in treating mouth ulcers having irregular shape and white color.
How to use Kali Iodatum?
Kali Iodatum 30C can be used once a day.

Causes of Recurrent Mouth Ulcers

1. The exact cause and process of development of mouth ulcers is not known. Ulcers can be the result of a combination of conditions, like:
2. A mechanical injury caused by the sharp edges of teeth, fillings, crowns, dentures, braces or even accidental biting of the inner mouth can lead to an ulcer due to irritation. Eating rough foods or putting sharp things like pens, toothpicks or fingernails in the mouth can also cause a tear in the mucous membrane, from where an ulcer can develop.
3. Putting hot food or beverages in the mouth can cause redness inside the mouth, especially in sensitive areas like the palate or the lining of the cheeks and back of the lips and lead to an ulcer.
4. Any strong or concentrated caustic chemicals, when kept for long in the mouth, can cause a chemical trauma inside the mouth. For example, holding medicine in the mouth instead of swallowing it can create a problem if the medicine is strong. Such injuries are more common in children or people under psychiatric care.
5. A viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic contact can contribute to the growth of infection inside the mouth. A weakened immune system and a tear in the mucous membrane of the mouth can lead to the development of ulcers on the inner lining of the mouth.
6. Mouth ulcers can occur as a side effect of medications like antibiotics, painkillers, steroids, analgesics, NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).
7. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 and iron can trigger the growth of ulcers.
8. Tobacco is a major cause of mouth ulcers, so smokers are more prone to develop recurrent mouth ulcers. Alcohol also triggers mouth ulcers by disrupting the absorption of nutrients in the system.
9. Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (Canker Sore) is the most common cause of recurrent mouth ulcers. This condition causes the recurrent formation of oral ulcers for unknown reasons.
10. Xerostomia is a feeling of a dry mouth that is often associated with the decreased functionality of salivary glands. This prevents lubrication of the mucous membranes and due to excessive dryness in the mouth, lesions can appear inside the mouth.
11. The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) also causes mouth ulcers as a symptom of the herpes infection.

Other factors that can contribute to the occurrence of recurrent mouth ulcers are:
Poor oral hygiene
Diabetes
Emotional stress
Dermatological causes like lichen planus, lupus erythematosus.
Products containing SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), like toothpaste and mouthwash.
Gastrointestinal causes like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.
Epithelial atrophy that makes the lining more fragile and easily breached.
Radiation-induced stomatitis is more common after radiotherapy. It can cause mucosal erosions and ulcerations on the lower jaw.
Vesiculobullous Diseases lead to the development of vesicles and bullae formation on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, which tend to be fragile and quickly break down. These leave behind ulcers in the mouth.
Family tendency: Someone who has a family tendency of having recurrent mouth ulcers can be at high risk of developing it.
Hormonal changes: Due to hormonal changes that usually occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, some women tend to experience oral changes that include the development of canker sores or bleeding from the gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers feel like elevated areas inside the mouth, on areas like the inner cheeks, inside of the lips, under or on the tongue, and the sides of the tongue. Some common signs of a mouth ulcer include:
Yellow discoloration of the elevated area with the surrounding reddened edges. These can sometimes be coated with a white or milky lining.
Swelling inside the cheeks or the lips
Bleeding from the ulcers
Dryness in the mouth
Offensive odor from the mouth
Some common symptoms of recurrent mouth ulcers include:
Pain: Pain can range from mild to moderate or even severe and it depends completely on the individual case
Discomfort: These can cause significant discomfort in eating, drinking or even while talking
Tenderness of the affected area
Burning sensation in the mouth
Tingling in the affected area
Warmth and dryness of the mouth with increased thirst
Excessive salivation
Irritation of the sores by acidic, rough or dry foods