Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Comprehensive Analysis from Different Perspectives

The burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an oral disorder that is characterized by the burning sensation in the mouth without any organic reasons. Although the cause of BMS is still unknown. Its etiology is considered to be multifactorial suggesting a complex association of biological and psychological factors. It is reported prominently in middle aged patients and postmenopausal women and is characterized by an intense burning type of pain, preferably over the tongue and in other areas of the oral mucosa. BMS is a challenge to diagnose and manage as the symptom of oral burning is also reported in various pathological conditions therefore it is very important to differentiate between symptoms of oral burning and BMS. This article provides an overview of the some of the recent understandings of etiopathogenesis of BMS as well as the role of pharmacotherapeutic management in this disorder.