Burning mouth in oncology care: a systematic review.

Burning mouth, also referred to as oral dysesthesia, is an underreported condition among cancer patients that may represent an early symptom of cancer or an adverse effect of treatment. This review sought to characterize this symptom in oncology care where burning symptoms may occur. A systematic review of the literature was performed based on the PRISMA statement, and the protocol was registered at PROSPERO database. A structured search was done using eight databases. The process of study selection was conducted in two distinct phases. The JBI Critical Appraisal Tools were utilized to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies included. Of the total number of studies assessed, sixteen met the eligibility criteria. Of these studies included, 7 were case reports, 7 cross-sectional studies, and 2 non-randomized clinical trials. Most studies presented low risk of bias (n = 9), while the remaining studies were evaluated and scored as moderate (n = 5) or high (n = 2) risk of bias. Burning mouth was reported as a first symptom of cancer in three studies, and as an adverse event of radiotherapy (n = 2), chemoradiotherapy (n = 2), and chemotherapy (n = 9). Burning mouth was a first symptom in 0.62% of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and 3.3% of patients with pain as chief complaint. Oral dysesthesia prevalence was 13.6% in patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced oral adverse events. The symptom of burning mouth should be examined in oncology care, as it may be underreported and therefore undertreated. New therapies may be related to a higher risk of oral burning and studies assessing approach to management are needed. Current management borrows from the current management of burning mouth in the non-cancer setting.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block - a new treatment for burning mouth syndrome?: a case report

Abstract Burning mouth syndrome is a poorly understood entity for which current treatment modalities fail to provide effective relieve. Branches of the maxillary and mandibular nerves are responsible for the innervation of the affected area. These are also the nerves involved in trigeminal neuralgia, an entity where sphenopalatine block has proved to be effective. We present a case of a patient with burning mouth syndrome in whom a bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion block was successfully performed for pain treatment. It is an easy and safe technique that can be a valuable treatment option for these patients, although more studies are needed.

Long-term prognosis of burning mouth syndrome following treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) after the termination or discontinuation of treatment and to identify the clinical characteristics that might affect that prognosis. Of 769 patients with an oral burning sensation, 202 with primary BMS who had been treated for at least 3 months were included. Among them, 28 patients who responded to the treatment and 25 patients who did not were assigned to responder and non-responder groups, respectively. Based on telephone interviews, the responders were classified into relapse and non-relapse subgroups, and the non-responder group into persistence and remission subgroups. The majority of responders reported no oral discomfort since their last visit. Compared with the non-relapse subgroup, the relapse subgroup had significantly higher levels of xerostomia at the first visit (P = 0.026) and taste disturbance at the last visit (P = 0.015). The majority of non-responders reported persistent oral discomfort since their last visit. No significant differences were found in the characteristics of oral symptoms between the persistence and remission subgroups. In conclusion, the treatment outcomes in the majority of responders and non-responders were maintained following treatment. Xerostomia and taste disturbance were associated with relapse of oral discomfort in the responders.

[My tongue is burning!-Glossodynia/orofacial pain disorder]. / Meine Zunge brennt! ­ Glossodynie/orofaziales Schmerzsyndrom.

Glossodynia or orofacial pain disorder is known as burning mouth syndrome. It is a therapeutic challenge. Its etiology is not well defined. Recent studies show not only a correlation with neuropathic changes, but there are also indications of comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and carcinophobia. These can also manifest as a reaction to the disease and are not necessarily considered causative. Burning mouth syndrome poses a diagnostic challenge since its differential diagnosis is broad. With regard to dermatological aspects, lichen planus mucosae, oral leucoplakia, pemphigus vulgaris, and aphthous mouth ulcers should be considered. Diabetes, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and endocrinological influences should be considered regarding the predominance of elderly and female patients. Meta-analyses of treatment studies usually show a low level of evidence of the randomized, controlled trials. According to the literature mainly psychotherapy and antidepressants are proposed for therapy. Alpha lipoic acid as a dietary supplement shows short-term improvement and low-level laser therapy might have some benefit.

Análise comparativa do tratamento do ardor bucal com terapia a laser de baixa intensidade e estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Comparative analysis of the treatment of burning mouth with low-intensity laser therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: a randomized clinical trial

Introdução: O manejo de pacientes com ardor bucal é um desafio no cotidiano clínico da odontologia. Objetivo: Comparar o efeito da Terapia a Laser de Baixa Intensidade (LLLT) e da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS) no tratamento do ardor bucal. Metodologia: Ensaio clínico randomizado constituído por 25 pacientes com ardor bucal que foram tratados por TENS (n=12) e por LLLT (n=13). Os protocolos de tratamento foram aplicados semanalmente por 8 semanas. O teste análise de variância (ANOVA) dois fatores foi usado para verificar se existia diferença significativa entre os tempos T0 (antes de iniciar o tratamento), T1 (após a 4ª sessão de tratamento), T2 (após a 8ª sessão de tratamento) e T3 (30 dias após o término do tratamento) em relação aos sintomas, analisados por meio da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), fluxo salivar não estimulado, xerostomia e disgeusia com as intervenções de TENS e LLLT. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes foi do sexo feminino no período pós-menopausa com média de idade no grupo TENS de 59,25 anos e no grupo LLLT de 62,08. Hipertensão e dislipidemia foram as alterações sistêmicas mais frequentes. Ansiedade e depressão foram os únicos transtornos psiquiátricos relados. A maioria dos pacientes fazia uso de medicamentos como anti-hipertensivos e antidepressivos. Não foram observadas variações expressivas no que se refere a xerostomia e a disgeusia nos dois grupos analisados. A TENS e a LLLT foram eficazes na redução dos sintomas relatados pelos pacientes (p˂0,001), entretanto, observou-se entre os tempos T2 e T3 que o grupo LLLT apresentou uma melhor resposta quando comparado ao TENS (p=0,003). Os pacientes do grupo TENS apresentaram aumento do fluxo salivar entre os tempos T1 e T2, enquanto o grupo LLLT apresentou uma diminuição (p=0,052). Conclusão: A TENS e a LLLT foram eficazes na redução dos sintomas do ardor bucal durante o tratamento e 30 dias após o término do tratamento, sendo que o grupo LLLT apresentou uma melhor resposta na sessão de acompanhamento pós-tratamento quando comparado ao grupo TENS (AU).

Introduction: The management of patients with burning mouth is a challenge in the clinical routine of dentistry. Objective: To compare the effect of Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of burning mouth. Methodology: Randomized clinical trial consisting of 25 patients with burning mouth who were treated with TENS (n=12) and LLLT (n=13). Treatment protocols were applied weekly for 8 weeks. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to verify whether there was a significant difference between the times T0 (before starting treatment), T1 (after the 4th treatment session), T2 (after the 8th treatment session) and T3 (30 days after the end of treatment) in relation to symptoms, analyzed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), unstimulated salivary flow, xerostomia and dysgeusia with TENS and LLLT interventions. Results: Most patients were female in the postmenopausal period, with a mean age of 59.25 years in the TENS group and 62.08 in the LLLT group. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were the most frequent systemic alterations. Anxiety and depression were the only psychiatric disorders reported. Most patients used drugs such as antihypertensives and antidepressants. Significant variations were not observed with regard to xerostomia and dysgeusia in the two groups analyzed. TENS and LLLT were effective in reducing the symptoms reported by patients (p˂0.001), however, it was observed between times T2 and T3 that the LLLT group showed a better response when compared to TENS (p=0.003). Patients in the TENS group showed an increase in salivary flow between times T1 and T2, while the LLLT group showed a decrease (p=0.052). Conclusion: TENS and LLLT were effective in reducing the symptoms of burning mouth during treatment and 30 days after the end of treatment, and the LLLT group showed a better response in the posttreatment follow-up session when compared to the TENS group (AU).

Síndrome da ardência bucal: relato de caso clínico / Oral burning syndrome: a clinical case report

O presente estudo teve como objetivo principal descrever por meio de um relato de caso clínico o diagnóstico e a conduta clínica de uma paciente portadora da Síndrome da Ardência Bucal (SAB). A SAB é definida como uma dor crônica e de difícil diagnóstico e difícil tratamento. O local mais acometido pela SAB é a língua, lábios e mucosa jugal, mas pode estar presente em qualquer parte da mucosa oral, causando desconforto e interferindo na qualidade de vida do paciente. Paciente do sexo feminino, leucoderma, 39 anos, sem histórico de doenças sistêmicas, saúde geral em bom estado, procurou atendimento no Centro Universitário da Serra Gaúcha ­ FSG por apresentar sensação de ardência recorrente na língua e na mucosa, que aumentava em momentos de estresse ou durante a ingestão de alimentos cítricos, picantes ou quentes. A paciente realizou exames complementares (hemograma completo, glicemia de jejum, exame de vitamina B12) e primeiramente, iniciou-se o tratamento com antifúngico tópico para remoção de uma camada esbranquiçada presente no dorso da língua. Após a remissão desta, foi utilizado AD-Muc tópico 2 vezes ao dia, durante 2 semanas e relatou ter reduzido seus sintomas em torno de 70%. A paciente ainda apresentava xerostomia e, então foi prescrita saliva artificial. A paciente teve a regressão total de seus sintomas. Pode-se concluir que diversos fatores etiológicos estão relacionados com a SAB, porém sua causa específica permanece desconhecida. O tratamento é paliativo, entretanto, o Ad-muc tópico se mostrou eficaz na redução da sintomatologia da SAB juntamente com o uso da saliva artificial(AU)

The present study aimed to describe, through a clinical case report, the diagnosis and clinical conduct of a patient with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). BMSis defined as chronic pain that is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. The site most affected by BMS is the tongue, lips, and cheek mucosa, but it can be present in any part of the oral mucosa, causing discomfort and interfering with the patient's quality of life. Female patient, leucoderma, 39 years old, with no history of systemic diseases, general health in good condition, sought care at the Centro Universitário da Serra Gaúcha - FSG for presenting a recurrent burning sensation in the tongue and mucosa, which increased in times of stress or while eating citrus, spicy or hot foods. The patient underwent complementary tests (complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, vitamin B12 test) and first, treatment with topical antifungal was started to remove a whitish layer present on the back of the tongue. After remission, topical AD-Muc was used twice a day for 2 weeks and reported to have reduced his symptoms by around 70%. The patient still had xerostomia and then artificial saliva was prescribed. The patient had a total regression of her symptoms. It can be concluded that several etiological factors are related to SAB, but its specific cause remains unknown. Treatment is palliative, however, topical Ad-muc is effective in reducing the symptomsof BMS also with the use of artificial saliva(AU)

Síndrome de la boca ardiente: revisión de la literatura / Burning mouth syndrome: literature review

Resumen El síndrome de la boca ardiente (SBA) es una condición de dolor crónico en la cavidad oral, que se presenta mayoritariamente en mujeres de edad media. Diversas causas locales y sistémicas pueden producirlo en forma secundaria, o bien, puede representar un cuadro primario, sin etiología específica identificable. Su etiopatogenia y evolución clínica es poco comprendida. Las opciones terapéuticas son variadas y en general es necesario un tratamiento multidisciplinario. A continuación, se presenta una revisión de la literatura respecto a esta patología para difusión en nuestro medio.

Abstract Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain condition of the oral cavity, which occurs more frequently in middle-aged women. It can be secondary to different local and systemic causes, or represent a primary condition, with no specific identifiable etiology. Its etiopathogenesis and clinical evolution are poorly understood. Therapeutic options are multiple and a multidisciplinary treatment is necessary. We present a review of the literature regarding BMS, to provide information relevant to our area of expertise.

Prediction of treatment outcome in burning mouth syndrome patients using machine learning based on clinical data.

The purpose of this study is to apply a machine learning approach to predict whether patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) respond to the initial approach and clonazepam therapy based on clinical data. Among the patients with the primary type of BMS who visited the clinic from 2006 to 2015, those treated with the initial approach of detailed explanation regarding home care instruction and use of oral topical lubricants, or who were prescribed clonazepam for a minimum of 1 month were included in this study. The clinical data and treatment outcomes were collected from medical records. Extreme Gradient-Boosted Decision Trees was used for machine learning algorithms to construct prediction models. Accuracy of the prediction models was evaluated and feature importance calculated. The accuracy of the prediction models for the initial approach and clonazepam therapy was 67.6% and 67.4%, respectively. Aggravating factors and psychological distress were important features in the prediction model for the initial approach, and intensity of symptoms before administration was the important feature in the prediction model for clonazepam therapy. In conclusion, the analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with BMS using a machine learning approach showed meaningful results of clinical applicability.

Prevalence and Features of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients with Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the prevalence and features of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective uncontrolled study. METHODS: Patients who visited our Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck and Maxillofacial surgery with BMS were prospectively recruited from September 2018 to September 2020. Patients benefited from dental, maxillofacial, otolaryngological examinations, and hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance pH-monitoring (HEMII-pH). Oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal findings and symptoms were rated with Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) and Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12). Patients were treated with a combination of diet, pantoprazole, and alginate. RESULTS: From the 81 included patients, 76 reported >1 pharyngeal reflux events (93.8%), accounting for 35 (46.1%), 24 (31.6%), and 17 (22.3%) acid, mixed, and nonacid LPR, respectively. Thirty-two patients had both LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thirty-eight patients benefited from pepsin saliva measurement, which was positive in 86.8% of cases. The mean scores of mouth/tongue burning, RSS-12, and RSA significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment (P < .004). At 3-month post-treatment, 62.5% of patients reported an improvement of mouth/tongue burning score. Patients with both GERD and LPR reported higher baseline RSS-12 and RSA scores. CONCLUSION: Acid, weakly acid, and nonacid LPR may be involved in the development of BMS. The use of an appropriate treatment considering the reflux features is associated with an improvement of symptoms and findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2627-E2633, 2021.

Enfrentamiento práctico del paciente con síndrome de boca urente, una propuesta para el estudio y tratamiento / Burning mouth syndrome

El Síndrome de Boca Urente (SBU) clásicamente se define como un dolor oral quemante sin hallazgos en el examen físico o de laboratorio. Muchas veces puede ser asociado a procedimientos dentales o alteraciones psiquiátricas pero en En la gran mayoría de los casos, no existe un fenómeno relacionado. Sin embargo, no existe consenso en su evaluación clínica, lo que se refleja en lo heterogéneo de los estudios de prevalencia, patogenia y tratamiento. Es por esto que muchas veces, representa un desafío el diagnóstico y tratamiento, especialmente cuando especialmente cuando existe un serio deterioro de la calidad de vida, sin una causa identificable. Este artículo tiene como objetivo contribuir en la identificación de causas y en la definición de pautas para el diagnostico y manejo clínico del SBU, proponiendo un esquema de estudio y manejo en base a la revisión de la literatura y la experiencia clínica.

Classically, we can define Burning-Mouth Syndrome (BMS) as burnish oral pain with no physical or laboratory findings; often can be associated with dental procedures or psychiatric disorders but in general, there is no related phenomenon. Even today there is confusion and ignorance of this syndrome, being reflected in the heterogeneity of the studies of prevalence, pathogenesis and treatment. This is why, in clinical practice, study and treatment are challenging, especially when we are faced with a patient who feels seriously impaired in his quality of life and does not find the cause. This article attempts to contribute to the understanding of the BMS, proposing a study and management scheme based on literature review and clinical experience.

Is it Sjögren's syndrome or burning mouth syndrome? Distinct pathoses with similar oral symptoms.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and burning mouth syndrome (BMS) typically occur in postmenopausal women. Although these conditions have significantly different etiopathogeneses, patients with SS or BMS often present with analogous oral complaints. The similarities between the two conditions have led to considerable confusion on the part of medical and dental practitioners, and those with BMS or SS often wait years to receive a diagnosis. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to understand the characteristic subjective and objective features of each disease and how these can be used to distinguish them. This review will discuss the proposed etiology, clinical manifestations, histopathology, diagnostic criteria, and patient management of SS and BMS. We also identify key differences between the two pathoses that aid in establishing the correct diagnosis. Recognition of the defining features of each condition will lead to reduced time to diagnosis and improved patient management for these poorly understood conditions.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on burning mouth syndrome.

To investigate low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to treat burning mouth syndrome (BMS). This prospective, comparative, partially blinded, single-centre, clinical trial of GaAlAs Laser, with 815 nm wavelength, included 44 BMS patients divided randomly into three groups: Group I (n = 16): GaAlAs laser 815 nm wavelength, 1 W output power, continuous emissions, 4 s, 4 J and fluence rate 133·3 J cm-2 ; Group II (n = 16): GaAlAs infrared laser, 815 nm wavelength, 1 W output power, continuous emissions, 6 s, 6 J and fluence rate 200 J cm-2 ; Group III (n = 12) placebo group, sham laser. All groups received a weekly dose for 4 weeks. Pain intensity was recorded using a 10-cm visual analogue scale; patients responded to the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14), xerostomia severity test and the hospital anxiety-depression scale (HAD). These assessments were performed at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks. LLLT decreased pain intensity and improved OHIP-14 scores significantly from baseline to 2 weeks in groups I and II compared with the placebo group. No statistically significant differences were found from 2 to 4 weeks. Overall improvements in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores from baseline to the end of treatment were as follows: Group I 15·7%; Group II 15·6%; Group III placebo 7·3%. LLLT application reduces symptoms slightly in BMS patients.

Enfoque terapéutico para el síndrome de boca urente / Therapeutic approach for burning mouth syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN: el síndrome de boca urente (SBU), también conocido como estomatodinia o glosodinia, es una situación de dolor crónico que varía en su intensidad de moderado a severo y que se manifiesta como una disestesia ardiente relacionada a la lengua, pero también afecta frecuentemente la cara interna de los labios y la porción anterior del paladar duro. corresponde a una sensación de ardor continua, con una mucosa oral normal y de la cual no se puede encontrar ninguna causa dental o médica evidente. el SBU se divide en dos tipos: uno primario o idiopático, el cual no se puede asociar a ninguna otra patología, siendo un diagnóstico de exclusión; y uno secundario, el cual puede relacionarse a factores locales o generales, que puedan estar generándolo y que el tratamiento de esta causa conlleva a la resolución del problema. en esta revisión nos enfocaremos al tratamiento del SBU primario, del cual su fisiopatología aún no está clara, y la cual podría estar relacionada a factores periféricos como centrales, teniendo también un rol los problemas psicológicos. al no tener clara en su totalidad la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad, se hace muy difícil el poder tratarla. el objetivo de esta revisión es poder entregar herramientas actuales para su correcto diagnóstico y cuáles son los enfoques terapéuticos actuales que se están utilizando hoy para poder tratar esta enfermedad.

INTRODUCTION: burning mouth syndrome (BMS), also known as stomatodynia or glossodynia, is a chronic pain condition that ranges from moderate to severe, manifesting as a burning dysesthesia usually related to the tongue, but also frequently affects the inner face of the lips and the anterior portion of the hard palate. it corresponds to a continuous burning sensation, derived from a normal oral mucosa and from which no dental or medical cause can be found. the SBU is divided into two types: a primary or idiopathic one that cannot be associated with any other pathology, being a diagnosis of exclusion and a secondary one, which can be related to local or general factors that may be generating it and that the treatment of this cause leads to the resolution of the problem. in this review we will focus on the treatment of the primary SBU, of which its pathophysiology is still unclear, could be related to peripheral or central factors, with psychological problems also related. not being fully aware of the pathophysiology of this disease, it is very difficult to treat it. the objective of this review is to be able to deliver current tools that are being done to treat this disease

Interventions for treating burning mouth syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a term used for oral mucosal pain (burning pain or discomfort in the tongue, lips or entire oral cavity) without identifiable cause. General population prevalence varies from 0.1% to 3.9%. Many BMS patients indicate anxiety, depression, personality disorders and impaired quality of life (QoL). This review updates the previous versions published in 2000 and 2005. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and safety of any intervention versus placebo for symptom relief and changes in QoL, taste, and feeling of dryness in people with BMS. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 31 December 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 11) in the Cochrane Library (searched 31 December 2015), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 31 December 2015), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 31 December 2015). We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials. We placed no restrictions on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any treatment against placebo in people with BMS. The primary outcomes were symptom relief (pain/burning) and change in QoL. Secondary outcomes included change in taste, feeling of dryness, and adverse effects. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Outcome data were analysed as short-term (up to three months) or long-term (three to six months). MAIN RESULTS: We included 23 RCTs (1121 analysed participants; 83% female). Interventions were categorised as: antidepressants and antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, cholinergics, dietary supplements, electromagnetic radiation, physical barriers, psychological therapies, and topical treatments.Only one RCT was assessed at low risk of bias overall, four RCTs' risk of bias was unclear, and 18 studies were at high risk of bias. Overall quality of the evidence for effectiveness was very low for all interventions and all outcomes.Twenty-one RCTs assessed short-term symptom relief. There is very low-quality evidence of benefit from electromagnetic radiation (one RCT, 58 participants), topical benzodiazepines (two RCTs, 111 participants), physical barriers (one RCT, 50 participants), and anticonvulsants (one RCT, 100 participants). We found insufficient/contradictory evidence regarding the effectiveness of antidepressants, cholinergics, systemic benzodiazepines, dietary supplements or topical treatments. No RCT assessing psychological therapies evaluated short-term symptom relief.Four studies assessed long-term symptom relief. There is very low-quality evidence of a benefit from psychological therapies (one RCT, 30 participants), capsaicin oral rinse (topical treatment) (one RCT, 18 participants), and topical benzodiazepines (one RCT, 66 participants). We found no evidence of a difference for dietary supplements or lactoperoxidase oral rinse. No studies assessing antidepressants, anticonvulsants, cholinergics, electromagnetic radiation or physical barriers evaluated long-term symptom relief.Short-term change in QoL was assessed by seven studies (none long-term).The quality of evidence was very low. A benefit was found for electromagnetic radiation (one RCT, 58 participants), however findings were inconclusive for antidepressants, benzodiazepines, dietary supplements and physical barriers.Secondary outcomes (change in taste and feeling of dryness) were only assessed short-term, and the findings for both were also inconclusive.With regard to adverse effects, there is very low-quality evidence that antidepressants increase dizziness and drowsiness (one RCT, 37 participants), and that alpha lipoic acid increased headache (two RCTs, 118 participants) and gastrointestinal complaints (3 RCTs, 138 participants). We found insufficient/contradictory evidence regarding adverse events for anticonvulsants or benzodiazepines. Adverse events were poorly reported or unreported for cholinergics, electromagnetic radiation, and psychological therapies. No adverse events occurred from physical barriers or topical therapy use. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given BMS' potentially disabling nature, the need to identify effective modes of treatment for sufferers is vital. Due to the limited number of clinical trials at low risk of bias, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of any interventions in managing BMS. Further clinical trials, with improved methodology and standardised outcome sets are required in order to establish which treatments are effective. Future studies are encouraged to assess the role of treatments used in other neuropathic pain conditions and psychological therapies in the treatment of BMS.

Burning Mouth Syndrome.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an enigmatic, misunderstood, and under-recognized painful condition. Symptoms associated with BMS can be varied, thereby providing a challenge for practitioners and having a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life for patients. Management also remains a challenge for practitioners because it is currently only targeted for symptom relief without a definitive cure. There is an urgent need for further investigations to determine the efficacy of different therapies because this is the only way viable therapeutic options can be established for patients with this chronic and painful syndrome.

Burning Mouth Syndrome and "Burning Mouth Syndrome".

Burning mouth syndrome is distressing to both the patient and practitioner unable to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms. Burning mouth syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, which is used only after nutritional deficiencies, mucosal disease, fungal infections, hormonal disturbances and contact stomatitis have been ruled out. This article will explore the many causes and treatment of patients who present with a chief complaint of "my mouth burns," including symptomatic treatment for those with burning mouth syndrome.