Burning mouth syndrome

  • Willie FP van Heerden University of Pretoria
  • Andre W van Zyl University of Pretoria
Keywords: burning mouth syndrome, xerostomia, dysgeusia, oral pain

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.

Author Biographies

Willie FP van Heerden, University of Pretoria
BChD, MChD (Oral Path), FCPath(SA)Oral Path, PhD, DSc Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology University of Pretoria
Andre W van Zyl, University of Pretoria
BChD, MChD (OMP)(Stell) Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine University of Pretoria
Published
2010-10-14
Issue
Vol 53, No 1 - January/February 2011
Section
CPD
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