Burning mouth syndrome

Article

Burning mouth syndrome

Published in: South African Family Practice
Volume 53 , issue 1 , 2011 , pages: 8–10
DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2011.10874053
Author(s): WFP Van Heerden Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, South Africa , AW Van Zyl Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, South Africa

Abstract

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition characterised by a burning sensation of the tongue and other sites, usually without associated clinical or laboratory findings. These patients, mainly postmenopausal women, often present with dry mouth (xerostomia) and taste alterations. BMS may present in an idiopathic (primary) form or in association with local or systemic abnormalities (secondary). A detailed history and oral examination are important to help direct patient management.

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