Possible causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome: a narrative literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2236583468987

Keywords:

Burning mouth, Oral burning, Syndrome causes

Abstract

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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Author Biographies

Bruna Alessandra Copetti Vasconcellos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Graduação em Odontologia pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Laura Goldschmidt Follmann, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Graduação em Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM)

Karine Anschau Klagenberg, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Graduação em Odontologia pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Gabriele Savariz Zilli, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Graduação em Odontologia pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Alexandre Dorneles Pistoia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Doutorado em Odontologia pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

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Published

2025-09-05

How to Cite

Vasconcellos, B. A. C., Follmann, L. G., Klagenberg, K. A., Zilli, G. S., & Pistoia, A. D. (2025). Possible causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome: a narrative literature review. Saúde (Santa Maria), 51, e68987. https://doi.org/10.5902/2236583468987