Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

Persistent burning, tingling, or pain in your mouth can make daily life miserable — and many patients don’t know where to turn. At CJ Henley, DMD, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for patients suffering from Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) in Jacksonville and surrounding communities.

Dr. Henley’s advanced experience in oral medicine and oncology makes our practice uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat the complex oral pain conditions that others may overlook.

What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition that causes a persistent burning, scalding, or tingling sensation in the mouth — often affecting the tongue, lips, palate, or throat.
Patients may also notice changes in taste or dry mouth, even when saliva production is normal.

Common symptoms include:

  • Burning or scalding pain on the tongue, lips, or throughout the mouth

  • Metallic or bitter taste

  • Dry mouth sensation

  • Numbness or tingling of the lips and tongue

  • Pain that worsens throughout the day

For some patients, symptoms appear suddenly and persist for months or years.

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?

There isn’t one single cause — BMS can result from a combination of factors. Dr. Henley performs a detailed evaluation to identify the underlying reason for each patient’s pain.
Possible causes include:

  • Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, iron, zinc)

  • Dry mouth (xerostomia)

  • Hormonal changes (common in postmenopausal women)

  • Allergic reactions to dental materials or foods

  • Oral fungal infections

  • Neuropathic (nerve-related) pain

  • Side effects of medications or cancer treatments

  • Psychological stress or anxiety

Learn more from the American Academy of Oral Medicine and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Diagnosis at CJ Henley, DMD

Accurate diagnosis is critical. Many patients have seen multiple doctors before finding relief.
At our Jacksonville office, Dr. Henley uses a multifactorial diagnostic approach, which may include:

  • Complete review of medical and dental history

  • Oral examination and salivary testing

  • Laboratory tests for nutritional deficiencies

  • Screening for oral candidiasis (fungal infection)

  • Neurological and medication review

Because Dr. Henley also treats head and neck cancer patients at MD Anderson, he’s experienced in differentiating between burning mouth syndrome and post-radiation oral pain, peripheral neuropathy, or oral mucositis.

Treatment Options for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Treatment depends on the cause — but in every case, our goal is to reduce pain, restore comfort, and improve quality of life.

Common treatments include:

  • Saliva substitutes or prescription medications for dry mouth

  • Topical anesthetics or capsaicin rinses for pain relief

  • Vitamin and mineral supplementation when deficiencies are present

  • Antifungal or anti-inflammatory therapies if infections are identified

  • Neuropathic pain medications (low-dose clonazepam, gabapentin, or alpha-lipoic acid under medical supervision)

  • Behavioral or stress management strategies

  • Customized oral appliances to protect irritated tissues

Dr. Henley also works closely with local neurologists, ENTs, and oncologists to ensure comprehensive care for patients whose symptoms have systemic or neuropathic origins.

Self-Care Tips for Managing Burning Mouth

In addition to treatment, these habits can help reduce symptoms:

  • Avoid acidic, spicy, or hot foods

  • Limit alcohol and caffeine

  • Use mild toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

  • Stay hydrated and use sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva

  • Manage stress and get adequate sleep

Learn more about oral dryness and sensitivity from the Mayo Clinic.

When to See a Specialist

If you’ve been living with chronic burning or pain in your mouth, don’t wait — early diagnosis can prevent long-term nerve irritation.
At CJ Henley, DMD, we provide thorough evaluation and personalized treatment for burning mouth syndrome, xerostomia, and other oral conditions that affect comfort and quality of life.

Schedule Your Consultation

You don’t have to live with constant oral pain.
Call (904) 398-1549 or request an appointment online at
www.cjhenleydmd.com to schedule your consultation today.

We proudly serve Jacksonville, San Marco, Riverside, and the greater Northeast Florida region.