The burning mouth syndrome is characterized by burning and painful sensations of 
the mouth in the absence of significant mucosal abnormalities. For patients in 
whom no causative factor can be identified, empiric antifungal, nutritional, and 
estrogen replacement therapy can be initiated. If these fail, long-term therapy 
with antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and clonazepam can be considered. Topical 
capsaicin and laser therapy have been reported beneficial in a few patients.