Burning Mouth Syndrome: Diagnostic appraisal and management strategies

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a disorder that is characterized by a burning sensation of the oral cavity in the absence of visible local or systemic abnormalities. Affected patients often present with multiple oral complaints, including burning, dryness and taste alterations. The exact cause of burning mouth syndrome often is difficult to pinpoint. Conditions that have been reported in association with burning mouth syndrome include chronic anxiety or depression, various nutritional deficiencies, type 2 diabetes and changes in salivary function. Studies have pointed to dysfunction of the cranial nerves associated with taste sensation as a possible cause of burning mouth syndrome. Since burning mouth symptoms may arise as the result of a number of etiologic factors, diagnosis and management of the patient with BMS should involve consideration of all possible causative factors. Hormone replacement therapy, benzodiazepines/ anti-convulsants, antidepressants, analgesics, capsaicin, alpha-lipoic acid and cognitive behavioral therapy etc. have all been used in the management of BMS. The present review outlines various aspects of BMS, updates current knowledge on the disease, and provides guidelines for successful patient management.King Saud Universit