As many of us do, I haunt the online forums looking for new information or even unusual coping strategies for Burning Mouth Syndrome. Interested in learning more about this mysterious chronic oral pain? Check out the BMS Support Website.
As I read the entries, questions, and answers, I realize that many people who are looking for Burning Mouth Syndrome support are not reporting its symptoms. Often, they are reporting much more worrisome symptoms like sores and lesions, extremely dry and cracked tongues, and other varied complaints regarding other parts of their bodies. I find myself thinking over and over, “That is not primary BMS. They need a second opinion and to investigate other underlying disorders.”
You see, primary BMS is invisible. I am not kidding! If a doctor (and believe me, I have had quite a few) looks into my mouth and throat even when I am burning most intensely, they will see nothing unusual. That is a hallmark of this syndrome and if you have visible symptoms, please seek a different diagnosis. It may be another condition that has a cure or medicines that can better treat your symptoms.
Wouldn’t that be great?
The other issue that has been floating around for ages but has gained traction as states have legalized marijuana for medical reasons or in general, is the question, “Could cannabis or CBD oil help with Burning Mouth?” Continue reading

I realized I haven’t posted since the holidays, and I could easily blame that on everything that has gone on…the wedding in November of our younger daughter went beautifully and just this month they surprised us with the house they are purchasing, our older daughter’s wedding approaches (so quickly!) in May and they have begun to build a house not too far away from us, and of course the day-to-day work of a being a busy philanthropist and volunteer!
Many of us go through what I think of as the “thrashing stage” when we first start experiencing the pain of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). It is a time of anger, sorrow, guilt, and confusion as we try to determine what is going on, why it happened, and what we can do about it. You may have thought, “If only I hadn’t done this, or if only that hadn’t happened…I would not be in pain.” It isn’t logical, but often, neither are we at this stage of our journey.
Yesterday as I grabbed my morning coffee at the neighborhood shop, I spotted an acquaintance. I had seen her around the gym where she is always intense and focused but had only spoken with her once or twice over the years. I said hello and reminded her who I was (You know when you get that feeling that they know they know you but might not remember your name or the context?) and we stood together waiting for our orders.
As I described in a previous post (
Another Mother’s Day is past and I enter my tenth year with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). It is my constant companion, the first thing I think of when I rise and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. 
In a recent post, I talked about my upcoming visit with my neurologist. You can read that post at