What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is characterised by a burning, tingling or hot sensation affecting the mouth, often concentrated on the lips and tongue. The feeling can be intermittent or continuous, and may be accompanied by an unpleasant or altered taste, loss of sensation in parts of the mouth, persistent dryness, and pain.
It is estimated that up to 15% of the population experience Burning Mouth Syndrome at some point. It is more common in women - particularly post-menopausal women - and is often a long-term condition that may take years to resolve. Symptoms can be worsened by eating spicy food, prolonged talking, stress, or anxiety.
What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?
The exact cause is not always clear. In some cases, BMS is linked to an identifiable medical or dental issue such as oral thrush, acid reflux, or nutritional deficiencies (particularly iron, zinc and B vitamins). In others - known as primary BMS - no underlying cause can be found, though it is understood to involve changes in the nerves that control sensation in the mouth.
Psychologically, BMS can worsen during periods of stress or depression. While the mouth may appear and even be clinically normal, the symptoms are very real and can significantly impact daily life and sleep quality.
How XyliMelts can help
- Soothes oral tissues by coating and lubricating the mouth - directly addressing the dryness that accompanies BMS
- Provides hours of continuous moisture without needing to drink water or reapply a spray
- The mild, natural mint variant offers a gentle flavour that most BMS sufferers tolerate well; the unflavoured variant is also available for those with taste sensitivity
- Reduces the risk of dental caries - an important consideration as dry mouth associated with BMS increases decay risk
- Discreet and undetectable to others - suitable for use during conversation, at work or in social situations where BMS can worsen
- Can be used at night to relieve the dryness and discomfort that often intensifies during sleep
- 100% natural ingredients - no known irritants, suitable for people with oral sensitivity
Using XyliMelts at Night
BMS symptoms can be particularly distressing at night. The burning or tingling sensation may be harder to manage without distraction, and the natural drop in saliva during sleep intensifies the dryness that accompanies BMS.
Applying XyliMelts before bed can help calm the oral environment through the night - reducing dryness, coating the tissues with soothing moisture, and helping to ease the discomfort enough to allow restful sleep.