Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a persistent and incapacitating condition characterized by daily orofacial pain that endures for over two hours each day for a period exceeding three months. Patients commonly describe a burning sensation in the oral mucosa, even though no visible or detectable mucosal, systemic abnormalities, or laboratory findings are evident.
This ailment can significantly disrupt the quality of life and tends to affect middle-aged or older women predominantly, although it can manifest in individuals of any gender. In 2003, Scala et al. introduced a categorization distinguishing “primary BMS,” an idiopathic form, from “secondary BMS,” which is caused by a local or systemic pathological condition.
Potential Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome
The exact origin remains unidentified, but it is believed to have multiple contributing factors. Potential factors include:
-Hormonal fluctuations: BMS exhibits a higher incidence in women, with symptoms often intensifying around menopause. Three theories regarding the connection between hormonal changes and BMS have been proposed. First, hormonal shifts can lead to decreased saliva production due to diminished estrogen and progesterone levels. Second, these hormonal fluctuations can influence the nerves that innervate oral tissues, disrupting the transmission of signals from oral tissues to the brain and resulting in a burning mouth sensation. Finally, hormonal changes may also impact the immune system, potentially contributing to the sensation of burning in the mouth.
-Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Xerostomia can result in the drying of the oral mucosa, making it more prone to irritation.
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Burning Mouth Syndrome: Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and Patient Treatment Options