Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition characterized by burning of 
the oral mucosa, with or without dysgeusia and xerostomia, in the setting of no 
underlying systemic disease or identifiable abnormalities on physical 
examination or laboratory testing. BMS disproportionately affects postmenopausal 
women. The pathophysiology of the disease is unknown; no single treatment has 
proven universally successful. In light of these shortcomings, having a 
practical approach to the evaluation and management of patients with BMS can 
improve both patient quality of life and physician satisfaction.