Clinical characteristics and treatment responses were studied in 130 patients 
with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Most patients were postmenopausal women, and 
the tongue was the most frequently afflicted site. Although 39% of the patients 
complained of dry mouth, no causative factors were evident. Therefore BMS is 
assumed to be a functional disorder. This was at least partially confirmed 
because the most effective management was in response to mood-altering drugs. 
From our data BMS appears to be a chronic condition with variations in symptoms 
among patients and without a predictable endpoint.