Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a burning or stinging sensation on the tongue, lips, or oral mucosa without any visible lesions. It is more common in post-menopausal women over 50 years of age. BMS occurs when the trigeminal nerve is hypersensitive, often along with dry mouth (xerostomia) or a metallic taste. Potential causes include local factors like ill-fitting dentures, systemic conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or Sjogren's Syndrome, and psychological issues like depression or anxiety. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and discomfort through analgesics, mouthwashes, dietary supplements, or antidepressants.
2. DEFINITION
• Burning Mouth Syndrome is a neuropathic condition
with burning or stinging of the mucous , lips , and
tongue , in the absence of visible mucosal lesions .
• Causes are multifactorial and remain poorly
understood.
• Age : > 50 yrs
3. • Sex predilection : female ( mainly post menopause)
It is related to problems with both the sensory and
the special sensory particularly taste .
It is due to the hyperactivity of the sensory
component of the trigeminal nerve.
It is associated with xerostomia and dysgeusia (
altered taste ) , it is called burning mouth syndrome
.
7. Clinical feature
Continous or intermitted discomfort
Mucosal pain
Burning dorsum of the tongue – highest at the anterior
1/3 rd
Irritated or raw feeling
Dysguesia
8. persistent unpleasant taste mostly bitter or metallic
50 % of BMS patient have associated sensation of dry
mouth
Increased thirst
Drinking or eating can temporarly reduce the severity of
symptoms .
Asssociated anxiety or depression
9. Treatment
Antidepressant
Vitamins
Dietary supplements like alphalipoic acid
Analgesic sprays
Mouthwashes such as benzydamine hydrochloride
In post menopausal females , hormonal replacement or
topical estrogen
10. For dry mouth , saliva supplements may be considered .
Reference
SHAFERS TEXTBOOK OF ORAL PATHOLOGY
