Burning Mouth Syndrome: Etiology, clinical presentations, and treatment alternatives

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic debilitating oral pain disorder characterized by generalized burning sensations on the tongue and other oral mucosa, with no discernible medical or dental causes. Patients often suffer from anxiety, depression, and a significant impairment to their overall quality of life. Despite the prevalence of this condition spanning several centuries, BMS lacks definitive diagnostic criteria and appropriate treatments. Management of BMS is limited to symptomatic topical and systemic approaches. The aim of this paper is to summarize current literature in the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutics of BMS, with a focus on pharmacologic management. Mechanisms of action, drug interactions, adverse reactions, and dosing regimens are explored for potential pharmacotherapeutics used to manage BMS.