An up-to-date view on burning mouth syndrome

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An up-to-date view on burning mouth syndrome

Sardella A.

Unit of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Gerodontology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. andrea.sardella@unimi.it

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic intraoral pain condition unaccompanied by clinical lesions or systemic diseases. Its aetiology is unknown. Several recent studies suggest that BMS may be a neuropathic condition, though it is still uncertain whether it is a peripheral and/or a central neurogenic dysfunction. Research indicates that BMS includes psychological components such as anxiety, depression, cancerophobia. Professional delay in diagnosing, referring and managing BMS patients occurs commonly. The treatment of BMS is possible but not yet satisfactory. This review, examines recent data on the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinical management of the syndrome.