PURPOSE: To provide an overview of burning mouth syndrome (BMS), describe the 
role of the clinician when a patient presents with the burning mouth complaint, 
offer guidance in differentiating the cause of the complaint, and identify 
potential treatment options for the patient suffering from BMS.
DATA SOURCES: A search of MD Consult, Medline, and EBSCO Host Research Databases 
with the terms "burning mouth" and "BMS."
CONCLUSIONS: BMS is a common, chronic disorder of unknown etiology with no 
underlying or systemic causes or oral signs identified. It affects more than 1 
million people in the United States, predominantly postmenopausal women. Despite 
the common nature of the disorder, it is often misunderstood. Palliative 
treatment, education, and support should be offered to the patient with 
idiopathic BMS. A variety of treatment options exist, including benzodiazepines, 
tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, alpha-lipoic acid, topical 
capsaicin, and cognitive therapy can be added to the medication regimen for 
greater benefit.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The role of the clinician is to obtain a meticulous 
history and physical examination of the patient, order relevant diagnostic 
tests, and rule out treatable conditions that may be causing the burning mouth 
symptom. If secondary causes of BMS are ruled out, the clinician should present 
treatment options to the patient and consider referral to specialists as 
necessary. A combination of medications may be more effective than a single 
medication.