OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study is to investigate the clinical evolution, the 
spontaneous remission of the symptomatology and the response to different 
treatments in a group of burning mouth syndrome patients.
STUDY DESIGN: the sample was formed by a group of patients that were visited in 
the Unit of Oral Medicine of the Dentistry Clinic of the University of 
Barcelona, from the year 2000 to 2011. After revising the clinical records of 
all the patients that had been under control for a period of time of 18 months 
or longer, they were contacted by telephone. In the telephone interview, they 
were questioned about the symptomatology evolution and the response to the 
treatments received, noting down the data in a questionnaire previously 
performed.
RESULTS: the average duration of the symptoms was 6.5 years (+/-2.5 years). The 
most frequent treatments were: chlorhexidine mouthrinses, oral benzodiazepines, 
topical clonazepam, antiinflamatory drugs, antidepressants, antifungicals, 
vitamins, psycotherapy, salivary substitutes and topical corticoids. The 
specialists that were consulted with a higher frequency were: dermatologists 
(30%), othorrynolaringologists (10%) and psychiatrists (3%). In 41 patients the 
oral symptoms did not improve, 35 reported partial improvements, 12 patients 
worsened, and only in 3 patients the symptoms remitted.
CONCLUSIONS: In three of the 91 patients studied the symptoms remitted 
spontaneously within the five years of treatment. Only 42% of the study 
population had improved the symptomatology significantly, and this improvement 
would reach 60% if clonazepam were associated to psychotherapy.