What Can I Buy Over-the-Counter for Burning Mouth Syndrome?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting around 2% of the population, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful condition where women are up to seven times more likely to be diagnosed than men. If you're wondering what can I buy over-the-counter for burning mouth syndrome?, several options exist to help manage the symptoms.

Quick Summary

Find relief from the persistent, scalding pain of burning mouth syndrome with accessible over-the-counter solutions. This overview covers topical agents, nutritional supplements, and specific oral care products designed to help manage symptoms.

Key Points

Professional Diagnosis is Crucial: Before trying OTC remedies, see a doctor or dentist to rule out underlying causes of secondary BMS, such as diabetes or nutritional deficiencies.
Topical Relief Can Be Effective: Products containing capsaicin (from chili peppers) or lidocaine can provide temporary, targeted relief by desensitizing or numbing oral nerves.
Consider Key Supplements: If a deficiency is confirmed by a blood test, supplements like B vitamins, zinc, and iron may address the root cause of symptoms. Alpha-lipoic acid is also a studied option for nerve pain.
Manage Dry Mouth: Since dry mouth can cause or worsen BMS, using saliva substitutes like Biotene® or chewing sugar-free gum is an important management strategy.
Avoid Oral Irritants: Lifestyle changes are key. Avoid acidic and spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, and harsh toothpastes with mint, cinnamon, or SLS to prevent symptom flare-ups.

Understanding Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes a chronic burning, scalding, or tingling feeling in the mouth, which can persist for months or even years. This sensation most commonly affects the tongue, but can also be felt on the lips, gums, or the roof of the mouth. Despite the intense pain, the oral mucosa often appears completely normal, which can make diagnosis challenging.

There are two main types of BMS:

Primary BMS: When no underlying medical cause can be identified, it's considered primary BMS. Experts believe it may be caused by damage to the nerves controlling pain and taste.
Secondary BMS: This type is caused by an underlying medical condition. Treating the root medical problem will often resolve the secondary BMS symptoms.

Common causes of secondary BMS include nutritional deficiencies (such as low levels of iron, zinc, or B vitamins), dry mouth (xerostomia), oral infections like thrush, acid reflux, and hormonal changes.

A Note on Professional Diagnosis

While this article focuses on over-the-counter (OTC) management, it is crucial to see a dentist or doctor for a proper diagnosis. A healthcare professional can run blood tests, allergy tests, or oral swabs to rule out underlying causes of secondary BMS and recommend the most effective treatment plan. Relying solely on OTC remedies without a diagnosis may mask a more serious condition.

Key Over-the-Counter Categories for BMS Relief

For those seeking to manage symptoms, several categories of OTC products can offer relief. These products primarily aim to reduce pain, moisturize the mouth, and correct potential deficiencies.

Topical Pain Relievers

Topical agents are applied directly to the mouth for targeted relief.

Capsaicin: Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin can help relieve nerve pain. It works by desensitizing the pain receptors in the mouth over time. While counterintuitive, applying this spicy compound can eventually reduce the burning sensation. It is available in some commercial ointments or can be used as a diluted rinse. Studies have shown that topical capsaicin can be an effective way to decrease pain levels in BMS patients.
Lidocaine: Anesthetic agents like lidocaine can provide temporary numbness to relieve pain. Oral rinses containing lidocaine may be recommended to help control discomfort.

Nutritional Supplements

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals are a known cause of secondary BMS.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): ALA is an antioxidant that may help relieve nerve pain and has been studied as a treatment for BMS. Some studies suggest it can lead to significant improvements in symptoms for many patients. However, research results have been mixed, and more high-quality trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a first-line therapy.
B Vitamins: Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9 (folate), and B12 are linked to BMS. A study showed that a combined vitamin B and zinc supplement therapy was effective in reducing pain levels for a majority of patients.
Iron and Zinc: Low levels of iron and zinc can also contribute to oral burning. If a blood test confirms a deficiency, supplementation may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

Saliva Substitutes and Oral Moisturizers

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is both a symptom of and a contributor to BMS. Increasing oral moisture can provide significant relief.

Saliva Substitutes: Products like Biotene® Dry Mouth Oral Rinse are specifically formulated to temporarily relieve dry mouth symptoms. These rinses and gels help lubricate the mouth, which can soothe the burning sensation.
Other options: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on ice chips can also stimulate saliva production and provide immediate, temporary relief.

Specialized Oral Hygiene Products

Everyday oral care products can sometimes irritate a sensitive mouth.

Gentle Toothpaste: Avoid toothpastes with strong flavors like cinnamon or mint, as well as those containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can be an irritant. Opting for a mild or flavor-free toothpaste for sensitive teeth is recommended.

Comparison of OTC Approaches for Burning Mouth Syndrome


Approach Category	Examples	Mechanism of Action	Best For	Considerations
Topical Agents	Capsaicin rinses/gels, Lidocaine rinses	Desensitizes nerve endings or provides local anesthesia for temporary pain relief.	Quick, localized relief of burning pain.	Capsaicin causes an initial intense burning sensation. Lidocaine effects are short-lived.
Nutritional Supplements	Alpha-Lipoic Acid, B-Complex Vitamins, Zinc, Iron	Corrects underlying nutritional deficiencies that may be causing secondary BMS or provides antioxidant effects.	Individuals with a confirmed or suspected nutritional deficiency.	Efficacy can vary; ALA studies are mixed. Should be used after consulting a healthcare provider.
Oral Moisturizers	Saliva substitute rinses/gels (e.g., Biotene), sugar-free gum	Lubricates the mouth and stimulates natural saliva production to combat dryness.	Patients whose burning is accompanied or worsened by dry mouth (xerostomia).	Provides symptomatic relief but does not address the root cause of primary BMS.
Lifestyle/Dietary	Avoiding acidic/spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco	Prevents irritation of the sensitive oral mucosa, reducing symptom flare-ups.	All individuals with BMS to prevent exacerbating symptoms.	Requires consistent and sometimes restrictive lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

While there is no single cure for primary burning mouth syndrome, a variety of over-the-counter options can effectively help manage the painful symptoms. Topical pain relievers like capsaicin, nutritional supplements such as alpha-lipoic acid and B vitamins, and oral moisturizers for dry mouth all offer potential avenues for relief. Pairing these OTC remedies with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, can further reduce discomfort. However, the most critical step is to seek a professional diagnosis from a doctor or dentist to rule out underlying causes and create a comprehensive and safe treatment plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

Authoritative Link

For more comprehensive information from a trusted source, visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) page on Burning Mouth Syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no known cure for primary burning mouth syndrome, and OTC products are aimed at controlling and managing the symptoms. For secondary BMS, treating the underlying medical condition (like a vitamin deficiency) can cure the symptoms.

Capsaicin causes an initial burning feeling, but some patients report that the overall burning sensation is reduced within a few minutes after application. Its effectiveness relies on repeated use to desensitize nerve endings over time.

Studies on ALA for BMS have shown mixed results. Some trials indicate that a majority of patients experience significant improvement, while other studies found it no more effective than a placebo. More research is needed, but it is considered a potential option for relieving nerve pain.

It is best to try a mild or flavor-free toothpaste, such as one designed for sensitive teeth. You should avoid products containing cinnamon, mint, or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), as these can be irritating.

Yes, chewing sugar-free gum can help provide relief by encouraging saliva production, which helps combat the feeling of dry mouth often associated with BMS.

Yes, deficiencies in B vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12) can be a cause of secondary burning mouth syndrome. If a deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test, supplementation can help resolve symptoms.

This is the hallmark characteristic of burning mouth syndrome. The persistent burning sensation occurs without any visible signs of irritation or sores on the oral mucosa, which is why the condition is often thought to be related to nerve dysfunction.

It is a good idea to start by seeing your dentist, as they can check for oral conditions like dry mouth or infections that might be causing your pain. Your dentist may then refer you to a medical doctor or a specialist for further testing to check for systemic causes like diabetes or nutritional deficiencies.