Burning Mouth Syndrome: a demographic and comorbid condition case series

Abstract

Significance: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is known to be a highly adverse oral condition that is generally chronic in duration with an substantial uncertainty regarding the clinical presentation, etiologic factors, and descriptive characterization of the condition. Purpose: Characterize our BMS population and identify most common demographic and comorbid conditions. Methods: Case Series: Retrospective Chart Review, Level of Evidence 4. Review of existing University of Washington Oral Medicine Clinical Services patient charts with ICD-9 codes 782.0, 529.6: N=107. Result Highlights for Female Patients (N=95): Demographics: Female:Male = 9:1, Principal ethnicity: Caucasian 77%, Mean Age = 57. Complaint Characterizations: Burning location- 73-83% tongue, 34-50% anterior palate and lips, 10-17% gingiva and dorsal tongue, 01-06% posterior tongue, teeth, and buccal mucosa. Burning onset from event: 12.6% after local anesthetic use. Duration of burning: mean of 69 weeks. Recurrence pattern: 37.9% constant. Change since onset: 21.1% unchanged. Pain VAS%: Aversiveness 65.1%, Intensity 50.2%. Current Treatment: 50.5% clonazepam, 16.8% topical steroid, 11.6% antifungals, 10.5% maxillary stent, 10.5% membrane stabilizer Rx, 7.4% Sialogogue, and 4.2% for behavior modification, capsaicin, and stress reduction. Comorbid Conditions: Xerostomia 35.8%, Candida 21.1%, Bad Taste 29.5%, Post-menopausal 72.6%, Vaginal Dryness 20%, Sleep Disturbance 45%, Anxiety 36.8%, Depression 29.5%, Depression & Anxiety 20%, Hypothyroidism 20%. Conclusions: Because of prevalence it seems reasonable to investigate the possibility of subclinical or untreated hypothyroid conditions. To address the psychological and quality of life factors involved with BMS, including quality of life assessments such as the SCL-90-R or impact questionnaires with all new patient databases would help early identification of possible conditions detrimental to a faster and more positive outcome and help to steer referral for beneficial treatment modalities.