Abstract
Purpose: The etiology of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is not clearly understood and is classified as an idiopathic orofacial pain. The purpose of this article was to let readers to know research trend, currently proposed etiology and treatment recommendation based on available evidences from literature searching.
Study selection: PubMed (Online database, U.S. National Library of Medicine) was used to searching for related publication with burning mouth syndrome. From the extracted list from the searching with the key word “burning mouth syndrome”, reviews in last 5 years and recent published literatures were selected to summalize its epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, natural history and long-term prognosis. Also, definition, classification and diagnostic criteria of BMS proposed by international/ related academy were searched for additional review.
Results: 673 articles were extracted from 1967 to 2010 August with the key word of “burning mouth syndrome. Recent expert opinion of research readers in this field summalized that peripheral and central neuropathic mechanisms are involved in pathophysiology underlying BMS. For the management of BMS, 1 cochrane systematic review was extracted by serching, and medical management and cognitive behabioral therapy were recommended.
Conclusions: The growing concern about BMS during last decade was demonsrtated. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, natural history and long-term prognosis were not clearly understood because the etiology is not known and the acculate diagnostic criteria is lacking. Regarding to management of BMS, there is limited information, therefore, non harmful treatment should be selected based on available evidence. Further study is needed to demonstrate its pathophysiology and to provide effective and safe management for BMS patients.
