Possible causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome: a narrative literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2236583468987Keywords:
Burning mouth, Oral burning, Syndrome causesAbstract
Introduction: Burning Mouth Syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by a burning sensation in the oral mucosa, with an unknown causal factor. The tongue, the anterior region of the palate, and the lips are the most affected sites, and its prevalence is higher among females. Despite a large number of studies, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, and the discomfort reported by patients can significantly impact their quality of life. Objectives: To present the diagnosis, possible causes, and contributing factors related to Burning Mouth Syndrome. Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database in July 2021 using the descriptors “burning mouth” and “syndrome causes.” Results and conclusion: Burning Mouth Syndrome is more prevalent in peri- or postmenopausal women; it is a multifactorial condition, and when associated with the use of medications and physiological xerostomia, it may be a predisposing factor for the burning sensation in the mouth. Its diagnosis is imprecise and is made by excluding other possible causes. When it is associated with a pre-existing medical condition, it is classified as secondary; when the causal factor is idiopathic, it is classified as primary. The symptoms can be alleviated by informing the patient that it is a relatively common and non-serious condition.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Laura Goldschmidt Follmann, Bruna Alessandra Copetti Vasconcellos, Karine Anschau Klagenberg, Gabriele Savariz Zilli, Alexandre Dorneles Pistoia
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