Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) causes a persistent burning or scalding sensation in the mouth, often affecting the tongue or lips, even though the mouth appears normal on examination. The condition can be painful, exhausting, and difficult to treat, and many people struggle to find lasting relief. It most commonly affects women in midlife and has also been reported as part of a broader group of symptoms experienced by some people with Long COVID.
If you have experienced taste changes or other sensory symptoms alongside smell loss, our post on parosmia covers a related area of sensory disturbance.
A recent study examined whether acupuncture could help reduce symptoms in people with BMS.
About the study
The study included 40 adults with primary Burning Mouth Syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture or sham (placebo) acupuncture. Neither the patients nor the researchers knew which treatment participants were receiving, helping ensure unbiased results. Each person completed a course of 10 treatment sessions.
What did the study find?
People who received real acupuncture reported lower levels of burning pain, particularly later in the day when symptoms are often at their worst. They also showed increased saliva production, which is important because dry mouth can make burning sensations more uncomfortable.
Participants who received the placebo treatment did not experience the same level of improvement. Acupuncture also did not significantly change taste or smell in either group.
What does this mean for patients?
This study suggests that acupuncture may help reduce pain and dry-mouth symptoms for some people with Burning Mouth Syndrome. It will not work for everyone, and it is not currently considered a standard treatment. However, it may offer another option for people who have not found relief through medications alone.
As always, it is important to discuss any new treatment with a healthcare professional before starting.
Key Takeaway
This small randomised study found that acupuncture reduced burning pain and improved saliva production in some people with Burning Mouth Syndrome, compared to a placebo. It is not yet part of routine care, but it suggests acupuncture is worth further investigation as a complementary option, particularly for those who have not responded well to other treatments.
Sources
Acupuncture and Burning Mouth Syndrome study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00405-025-10001-1
