Is Burning Mouth Syndrome typically related to vitamin deficiencies?

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Dainyal Siddiqui, MD

Internal Medicine

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Manuel Jimenez, MD

Cardiology

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Franz Pierre-Louis, MD

Infectious Disease

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Last updated: March 1, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Burning Mouth Syndrome is not typically directly related to vitamin deficiencies, but rather a disorder of peripheral nerve fibres with central brain changes. According to the study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia 1, Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a rare chronic condition characterized by burning of the tongue and other parts of the oral mucosa in which no dental or medical causes are found. The study suggests that BMS is most commonly seen in peri- and post-menopausal women, and the oral mucosa is normal in appearance. Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of BMS include:

  • Neurophysiological testing, biopsies, and functional MRI suggest that it is a disorder of peripheral nerve fibres with central brain changes
  • Secondary causes of BMS (local and systemic) include oral candidiasis, mucosal lesions, haematological disorders, auto-immune disorders, and pharmacological side-effects
  • The prognosis is poor with only a small number resolving fully; however, patients can be reassured that it will not get worse and this is often crucial It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate symptoms, check for potential underlying conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment, which might include addressing underlying conditions that might be causing the symptoms.

From the Research

Relationship Between Burning Mouth Syndrome and Vitamin Deficiencies

  • Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) has been linked to various vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc deficiencies 2, 3, 4.
  • A study published in 2013 found that BMS patients had a significantly higher frequency of hematinic deficiencies, including vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies, compared to healthy control individuals 2.
  • Another study published in 2017 found that the most common decreased values or deficiencies in BMS patients were vitamin D3, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin B1, and thyrotropin (TSH) 3.
  • Vitamin B and zinc supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and burning levels in BMS patients 5, 6.
  • Zinc deficiency has been implicated as a potential cause of BMS, and zinc replacement therapy has been shown to have therapeutic effects in patients with zinc deficiency 4.

Treatment Options for Burning Mouth Syndrome

  • Vitamin B complex and zinc supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and burning levels in BMS patients 5, 6.
  • Topical capsaicin rinse therapy has also been shown to be effective in reducing pain and burning levels in BMS patients 5.
  • Zinc replacement therapy has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms in patients with zinc deficiency 4.

Prevalence of Vitamin Deficiencies in Burning Mouth Syndrome

  • The prevalence of vitamin deficiencies in BMS patients varies, with some studies finding a high frequency of deficiencies and others finding a lower frequency 2, 3.
  • A study published in 2013 found that 22.3% of BMS patients had deficiencies of hemoglobin, 20.3% had iron deficiencies, and 2.5% had vitamin B12 deficiencies 2.
  • Another study published in 2017 found that deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid were rare, occurring in less than 1% of BMS patients 3.

References

4
Research

Zinc deficiency may be a cause of burning mouth syndrome as zinc replacement therapy has therapeutic effects.

Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology, 2010

6
Research

Significant reduction of serum homocysteine level and oral symptoms after different vitamin-supplement treatments in patients with burning mouth syndrome.

Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology, 2013

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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