Oral dysaesthesia: a special focus on aetiopathogenesis, clinical diagnostics and treatment modalities.

Oral dysaesthesia is a condition characterised by persistent alteration to oral sensation, perceived by the patient to be abnormal and/or unpleasant, in the absence of any mucosal pathology. The condition can be difficult to detect and diagnose. A possible peripheral or central neuropathic aetiology has been proposed. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is the most common idiopathic oral dysesthesia in which long-term suffering is often reported by patients. Recent efforts from professional organisations and study groups have provided a consensus on BMS disease definition and diagnostic criteria. Large-scale epidemiological studies are required to provide an accurate estimate for prevalence and incidence of the condition. Meticulous diagnostic investigations which may require interdisciplinary teamwork are often warranted to reach an accurate diagnosis. A combination of interventional modalities, with a holistic approach, is key for successful management and improvement in patients' quality of life.

Recent advances in the understanding of the aetiology and therapeutic strategies in burning mouth syndrome: Focus on the actions of cannabinoids.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a neuropathic pain disorder associated with a burning sensation on oral mucosal surfaces with frequently reported xerostomia, dysgeusia and tingling or paraesthetic sensations. However, patients present no clinically evident causative lesions. The poor classification of the disorder has resulted in a diagnostic challenge, particularly for the clinician/dentist evaluating these individuals. Major research developments have been made in the BMS field in recent years to address this concern, principally in terms of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disorder, in addition to therapeutic advancements. For the purpose of this review, an update on the pathophysiological mechanisms will be discussed from a neuropathic, immunological, hormonal and psychological perspective. This review will also focus on the many therapeutic strategies that have been explored for BMS, including antidepressants/antipsychotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, hormone replacement therapies, phytotherapeutic compounds and non-pharmacological interventions, overall highlighting the lack of controlled clinical studies to support the effectiveness of such therapeutic avenues. Particular focus is given to the cannabinoid system and the potential of cannabis-based therapeutics in managing BMS patients.

Burning mouth syndrome: a review of therapeutic approach.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is described by an intense burning sensation of the tongue or other oral areas without a clear etiopathology. The diagnosis of BMS is challenging due to variations of manifestations. The management of BMS is complicated due to the complex etiology of the disease. Many medications and treatment methods have been recommended for BMS management, but no one confirmed as the standard method. In this study, the therapeutic approaches of BMS were evaluated. The data of the article was obtained from PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The following terms including "burning mouth syndrome", "therapy", and "treatment" were used for search in the databases. A wide range of articles about the therapeutic approach of BMS was searched and reviewed. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches have been used for BMS management. Pharmacological treatments are including Capsaicin, Clonazepam, Low-dose aripiprazole, Alpha-lipoic acid, Duloxetine, Amitriptyline, Gabapentin, and Pregabalin, and ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide. Non-pharmacological therapies for BMS are cognitive therapy, Electroconvulsive therapy, Laser therapy, Acupuncture and auriculotherapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Salivary Mechanical Stimulation, and Botulinum Toxin. A detailed assessment of the etiology and pathophysiology of BMS, and having information about novel therapeutic interventions are essential for the management of BMS.

Conhecimento científico produzido sobre a Síndrome da Ardência Bucal nos últimos cinco anos / Scientific knowledge produced about Bucal Ardence Syndrome in the last five years

Objetivo: realizar revisão integrativa da literatura sobre a Síndrome da Ardência Bucal (SAB). Materiais e Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre a SAB nos últimos cinco anos. Utilizou-se as bases de dados Medline, SciELO e Lilacs para a pesquisa, empregando de forma combinada os descritores relacionados à temática. Como critérios de inclusão, decidiu-se selecionar publicações sobre a temática que estivessem disponíveis para leitura em qualquer idioma dos últimos cinco anos. Foram excluídos os estudos sem relação com o tema. Resultados: após análise, apenas 42 estudos foram selecionados para esta revisão. A maior parte dos artigos era publicada em inglês, porém, foi o Brasil que apresentou o maior número de publicações. As pesquisas avaliadas demonstraram os seguintes resultados: o sexo feminino é o mais acometido; maior prevalência acima dos 60 anos; dor, queimação e xerostomia são os sintomas mais relatados. O laser foi bastante relatado como terapia, além do uso de fármacos. Conclusão: a revisão apresentada neste artigo constatou que a maioria dos artigos, apesar de oriundos do Brasil, foi publicada no idioma inglês. A maioria dos trabalhos destacou que indivíduos do sexo feminino acima dos 60 anos são mais acometidos. Pacientes com SAB apresentam dor e queimação em língua e palato, principalmente. Fatores psicológicos e gastrointestinais podem estar associados ao aparecimento desta síndrome, e os usos do laser e de fármacos fitoterápicos, ou não, parecem melhorar o quadro clínico dos indivíduos acometidos.(AU)

Objective: to perform an integrative review of the literature on Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Materials and Method: This is an integrative review of the literature on Burning Mouth Syndrome over the last five years. The Medline, SciELO, and Lilacs databases were used for the research, using the descriptors related to the topic in combination. The inclusion criteria consisted of publications on the topic that were available for reading in any language over the last five years. Studies unrelated to the topic were excluded. Results: After the analysis, only 42 studies were selected for this review. Most articles were published in English but Brazil had the highest number of publications. The studies evaluated showed the following results: women are the most affected; highest prevalence over 60 years old; and pain, burning, and xerostomia are the most reported symptoms. The laser was extensively reported as therapy, as well as the use of other drugs. Conclusion: The review presented in this article found that most studies were published in Brazil but in the English language. Most studies highlighted that women over 60 years old are more affected. Patients with BMS experience pain and burning especially in the tongue and palate. Psychological and gastrointestinal factors may be associated with the onset of this syndrome, and the use of laser and other drugs, either herbal medicines or not, seems to improve the clinical condition of the individuals affected.(AU)

[Burning mouth syndrome in the views of modern stomatology and traditional Chinese medicine].

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a common clinical disorder characterized by burning of the mouth or other discomfort, which significantly affects the quality of life of patients. The present article introduces and makes comparison of the mechanisms and clinical treatments of BMS in modern stomatology and traditional Chinese medicine. Modern stomatology studies have shown that BMS is related to the factors of neuropathy, psychology, endocrine or metabolic disorders, drug effects and local adverse stimuli. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that BMS is mainly caused by diet, fatigue, bad emotion, poor health, oldness, etc. Individualized therapy is advocated in the treatment of BMS. Modern stomatology pays attention to comprehensive treatment for psychological disorder, systematic and oral local diseases. The thoughts of dialectical therapy and health keeping in traditional Chinese medicine also have clinical value.

Burning mouth syndrome and associated factors: A case-control retrospective study. / Síndrome de boca ardiente y factores asociados: estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can be defined as burning pain or dysesthesia on the tongue and/or other sites of the oral mucosa without a causative identifiable lesion. The discomfort is usually of daily recurrence, with a higher incidence among people aged 50 to 60 years, affecting mostly the female sex and diminishing their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between several pathogenic factors and burning mouth syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 736 medical records of patients diagnosed of burning mouth syndrome and 132 medical records for the control group were studied retrospectively. The study time span was from January 1990 to December 2014. The protocol included: sex, age, type of oral discomfort and location, among other factors. RESULTS: Analysis of the association between pathogenic factors and BMS diagnosis revealed that only 3 factors showed a statistically significant association: triggers (P=.003), parafunctional habits (P=.006), and oral hygiene (P=.012). There were neither statistically significant differences in BMS incidence between sex groups (P=.408) nor association of BMS with the pathogenic factors of substance abuse (P=.915), systemic pathology (P=.685), and dietary habits (P=.904). CONCLUSIONS: Parafunctional habits like bruxism and abnormal movements of tongue and lips can explain the BMS main symptomatology. Psychological aspects and systemic factors should be always considered. As a multifactorial disorder, the treatment of BMS should be executed in a holistic way.

Burning mouth syndrome: a review of recent literature.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex chronic disorder of orofacial sensation that is challenging in both diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of BMS is primarily one of exclusion, and recently classification of the disorder has been challenged. Although the exact pathophysiology of primary BMS is unknown, there has been a growing body of work to provide insight into the pathogenesis of the disorder over the past few years. Pharmacological treatments recently reported to have some success in BMS include anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, histamine receptor antagonist, and dopamine agonists. In addition, other therapies and treatments are being considered. This paper reports many of the most recent data related to BMS and its classification, diagnosis, impact on quality of life, pathophysiology, co-morbidities, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.

Burning mouth syndrome: a discussion of a complex pathology.

Burning mouth syndrome is a complex pathology for which there is very little information about the etiology and pathogenesis. This lack of knowledge leaves patients with suboptimal treatments. This article discusses the existing scientific evidence about this disease. Since topical oral use of clonazepam have been shown to be effective and safe to treat some patients suffering with burning mouth syndrome, formulations including clonazepam are included with this article. Compounding topical preparations of clonazepam offers opportunities for compounding pharmacists to be more involved in improving the quality of life of burning mouth syndrome patients.

Mentha piperita (peppermint).

PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita) is a popular herb that can be used in numerous forms (ie, oil, leaf, leaf extract, and leaf water). Peppermint oil has the most uses, and use data on the oil are considered relevant to the leaf extract formulations as well. This herbal preparation is used in cosmeceuticals, personal hygiene products, foods, and pharmaceutical products for both its flavoring and fragrance properties. Peppermint oil possesses a fresh sharp menthol odor and a pungent taste followed by a cooling sensation. It also has a variety of therapeutic properties and is used in aromatherapy, bath preparations, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and topical preparations. Topical preparations of peppermint oil have been used to calm pruritus and relieve irritation and inflammation. Their frequent application to impaired skin could contribute to the sensitization rates seen. Numerous allergic contact dermatitis reactions to peppermint oil have been described, many of which are linked to both perioral and intraoral disorders. Although peppermint oil is known for its many properties, its role as a sensitizer should be recognized so as to aid in the diagnosis of both dermatitis and oral conditions and to allow the initiation of proper avoidance measures.

Zinc deficiency may be a cause of burning mouth syndrome as zinc replacement therapy has therapeutic effects.

BACKGROUND: Zinc is known to play an important role for growth and development, the immune response, neurological function, and reproduction. Although the etiology of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is unknown, zinc deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of BMS. The aim of this study was to demonstrate a causal relationship between zinc deficiency and BMS and to assess whether zinc replacement is an effective therapy for BMS. METHODS: Serum zinc level was evaluated in 276 patients with BMS. To assess the therapeutic effect of zinc replacement, patients with zinc deficiency were administered a zinc supplement (14.1 mg/day). Pain intensity 6 months after zinc replacement was evaluated using an 11-point numerical scale. We also developed an animal model of zinc deficiency to assess the effects of zinc deficiency on the oral mucosa. RESULTS: Of the 276 patients with BMS, 74 (26.8%) had low serum zinc levels. Zinc replacement therapy lowered the mean numerical pain scale in these patients from 8.1 to 4.1, compared with a mean decrease from 7.7 to 6.7 in a control group (P = 0.004). In our animal model of zinc deficiency, the main pathologic findings were hyperkeratinization and increased mitosis on the dorsum of the tongue, although there were no gross oral mucosal lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc deficiency might play a role in some patients with BMS. In such patients, appropriate zinc replacement therapy is effective in relieving symptoms.

Atrophic glossitis from vitamin B12 deficiency: a case misdiagnosed as burning mouth disorder.

BACKGROUND: Glossodynia, or painful sensation of the tongue, can have a spectrum of etiologies, such as local infection, trauma, nerve damage, glossitis, or the enigmatic neuropathic pain syndrome, burning mouth disorder (BMD; also known as burning mouth syndrome). Careful history-taking, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory screening can differentiate these causes of glossodynia and direct further therapy. METHODS: A 73-year-old woman presented with several months of glossodynia having previously been diagnosed by her primary care physician with primary BMD. Subsequently, she consulted an otolaryngologist, who pursued further diagnostic evaluation. RESULTS: Examination revealed the presence of a beefy, red, smooth tongue, and further laboratory evaluation yielded a low serum vitamin B(12) level and macrocytosis. Three months of oral vitamin B(12) supplementation led to partial restoration of serum vitamin B(12) levels and a modest improvement in symptoms. Her final diagnoses were atrophic glossitis and glossodynia secondary to vitamin B(12) deficiency, most likely due to pernicious anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case have important clinical implications for the diagnostic evaluation and management of patients with glossodynia and apparent BMD. Pathogenic mechanisms of nutrient deficiency in atrophic glossitis are discussed.

Burning mouth syndrome. A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Burning mouth syndrome is a condition characterized by burning sensations of the oral cavity in the absence of physical abnormalities of the mucosa or a detectable underlying medical disorder. It is a multifactorial disorder with unclear etiology, affecting predominatly middle-aged women. Multiple approaches to treatment have been described in the literature, with few controlled clinical trials regarding their efficacy. The objectives of this retrospective study were to: 1. determine the epidemiologic characteristics of BMS patients referred to an oral medicine practice; 2. determine if BMS classification correlates with response to treatment; 3. determine the efficacy of a variety of known therapies for BMS. A database was constructed from the charts of 150 consecutive patients diagnosed with BMS; and these charts were reviewed. Patients were classified according to previously published criteria for BMS. Presumed etiologies were grouped into depression/anxiety-associated; hematinic deficiencies, including iron, folate and vitamin B complex; oral habits: and idiopathic BMS. Treatment approaches were divided into seven categories: soft desensitizing appliance; tricyclic antidepressants (TCA); benzodiazepines (BZD); topical analgesics; hematinic supplements; habit awareness counseling; and multi-modal therapy (combining two or more of the above). Improvement was recorded using a zero to 100% VAS scale and classified as no relief (0%); mild (0-40%); meaningful/moderate (41-80%); and profound relief (81-100%). Burning mouth syndrome without any identifiable cause (idiopathic) was diagnosed in 33 patients (46.6%). Patients were followed up at one month (4 weeks) after the initial visit. Nine patients (12.7%) reported profound relief; 17 patients (23.9%) reported meaningful relief; 39 patients (54.9%) reported mild relief. This retrospective review showed no significant correlation between classification of BMS and response to therapy. The most effective treatment modalities were habit awareness, followed by TCAs.

[Etiopathogenic, clinical-diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the burning mouth syndrome. Research and treatment protocols in a patient group]. / Aspetti eziopatogenetici, clinico-diagnostici e terapeutici della sindrome della bocca bruciante. Protocolli di ricerca e cura su un gruppo di pazienti.

BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a frequently seen pathology characterised by burning tongue and oral pain without macroscopic structural lesions to the mucose. BMS etiopathology isn't known and therapy is merely empirical and unsatisfactory. METHODS: To evaluate the hypothesis that this syndrome would originate by a small diameter peripheral neuropathy combined to a mucosal trophic lesion, 37 patients, (7 male, 30 female, between 36 and 79 years, mean 54 years) affected by BMS, consecutively observed in our dispensary were submitted to a series of examinations and to therapeutical approach used in neuropathic painful syndromes. All patients were submitted to a complete stomatological exam and X-ray pantomography to exclude mucosal macroscopical lesions and dentistry illnesses. All patients executed sierological exams (glycemia, etc.), neurological exam, tongue and foot dorsum quantitative sensory examination, tongue and face telethermography. A few patients (3 male, 10 female; age 34 to 53, mean 49) were submitted to mucosal tongue biopsy, analyzed by optic microscopy and immunofluorescency following treatment with anticytoplasmatic neuronal proteins antibodies (protein gene product 9.5). RESULTS: These examinations showed subclinical polyneuropathy in 50% of patients. In particular, a loss of function in small diameter nervous fibres in about 50% of patients was observed. Histological examination of tongue mucose revealed a moderate atrophy in 70% patients. CONCLUSIONS: All patients were submitted to an antalgic therapy, with non-antiflammatory drugs used in neuropathic painful syndromes (quercetine, antiepileptic drugs benzodyazepinein and gabaergic, topical application of capsaicine solutions).

The effect of Salinum on the symptoms of dry mouth: a pilot study.

The effect of a new saliva substitute, Salinum, was tested in 37 patients with severe symptoms of reduced salivation. The majority of the patients had suffered from hyposalivation and dry mouth for more than 8 years. The saliva substitute consisted of a water soluble extract of linseed. The physical properties of this extract are similar to those of the glycoproteins of the salivary secretions. The patients used the saliva substitute for a seven days period. Prior to the use of the extract the patients reported that the most severe symptoms of decreased salivation were a feeling of dryness in the mouth and burning sensations in the tongue, pharynx and oesophagus, The majority of the patients reported that the use of Salinum reduced the symptoms of hyposalivation. Great variation in effect occurred from patient to patient. Generally the patients with the most severe symptoms experienced the greatest relief of the symptoms when they used Salinum. Although of short duration the results of this pilot study indicate that an extract of linseeds may compensate for some aspects of the consequences of reduced salivation. Further studies are needed to elucidate the feasibility of the extract as saliva replacement.