Pain in the tongue or oral tissues described as "burning" has been referred to 
by many terms including burning mouth syndrome. When a burning sensation in the 
mouth is caused by local or systemic factors, it is called secondary burning 
mouth syndrome and when these factors are treated the pain will resolve. When 
burning mouth syndrome occurs in the absence of identified risk indicators, the 
term primary burning mouth syndrome is utilized. This article focuses on 
descriptions, etiologic theories, and management of primary burning mouth 
syndrome, a condition for which underlying causative agents have been ruled out.