Professional Dental Care

                                 for the Whole Family

A lifelong Fort Worth resident, Dr. Gary C. Morton has practiced general dentistry in Fort Worth since 1974.

Dr. Gary C. Morton is an

Active Member of the

American Dental Association

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Dental Hygiene Tips

Burning Mouth Symdrome (BMS)

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS), a painful disorder affecting mostly women, is a constant and aggravating source of discomfort.

Patients' experience a burning sensation in their mouth, palate, lips and tongue, as well as partial or complete loss of taste, dry mouth and thirst.

Oral habits of anxiety and depression may include repetitive tongue thrusting and bruxism (teeth grinding), which can irritate the mouth and lips, and have been reported to cause BMS symptoms in up to 70 percent of patients suffering from this chronic disorder.

Other overall health conditions linked to BMS include anemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, undiagnosed diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and a yeast or candida infection in the mouth.

Do You Have BMS? Symptoms include:

• Burning sensations in mouth area

• Dry mouth

• Altered taste perception

• Changes in eating habits

• Irritability

• Depression

• Changes in medications

If you have BMS, analyze your overall health and note any life-altering events or stressors that occur. Some patients experience relief after stopping their oral habits brought on by stress. Other treatments include the following:

• Anti-fungal therapy

• Vitamin and mineral replacements

• Creams or lozenges containing capsaicin

• Hormonal replacement

• Antidepressants

• Mental health counseling

• Intra-oral appliances

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Can't find a topic or answer for your question? Call Dr. Morton's office at 817.731.6496 and his staff will help you get the answers.