Management Of Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Literature Review
DOI:
10.29303/jossed.v7i2.12790Published:
2026-10-09Downloads
Abstract
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic disorder characterized by a burning sensation in the oral cavity without visible clinical lesions or identifiable medical causes. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving neurological, hormonal, psychological, and local factors, and it most commonly affects postmenopausal women. This narrative literature review synthesized findings from five key articles, including four narrative reviews and one bibliometric study, addressing the etiopathogenesis, clinical classification, diagnosis, and management of BMS. The analysis highlights major risk factors, challenges in differentiating BMS from odontogenic pain, and the range of therapeutic options reported. The reviewed literature emphasizes that BMS significantly impairs quality of life and is often associated with psychological comorbidities. Bibliometric evidence indicates a growing global research trend over the past two decades, with particular focus on cytokines, chronic pain mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Management approaches include pharmacological agents, non-pharmacological interventions, and psychological support, yet no definitive treatment has been established. Given its complex and idiopathic nature, the optimal management of BMS requires a multidisciplinary approach tailored to patient characteristics and underlying contributing factors
Keywords:
Burning mouth Syndrome Chronic oral pain Differential diagnosis Multifactorial etiology Multidisciplinary approach TherapyReferences
Abetz, L., & Savage, N. (2009). Burning mouth syndrome and psychological disorders. Australian Dental Journal, 54(2), 84–93. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2009.01099.x
Abrams, R. M. C., Pedowitz, E. J., & Simpson, D. M. (2021). A critical review of the capsaicin 8% patch for neuropathic pain in diabetic neuropathy. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2021.1874920
Alajbeg, I. Z., Vrbanovic, E., Alajbeg, I., et al. (2024). Time-course of pain and salivary opiorphin release in response to oral capsaicin in burning mouth syndrome and temporomandibular disorders. Clinical Oral Investigations, 28, 246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-024-05653-y
Alsabbagh, R., & Ouanounou, A. (2022). Burning mouth syndrome: Etiology, clinical presentations, and treatment alternatives. Dentistry Review, 2.
Aravindhan, R., et al. (2014). Burning mouth syndrome: A review on its diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 6.
Charleston, L. (2013). Burning mouth syndrome: A review of recent literature. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 17(336).
Cui, Y., Xu, H., Chen, F. M., Liu, J. L., Jiang, L., & Zhou, Y., et al. (2016). Efficacy of clonazepam for symptom remission in burning mouth syndrome: A meta-analysis. Oral Diseases, 22(6), 503–511.
Dahiya, P., Kamal, R., Kumar, M., Niti, R., & Gupta, K. C. R. (2013). Burning mouth syndrome and menopause. Journal of Women’s Health Care, 15–20.
De Souza, F. T. A., Teixeira, A. O. L., Amaral, T. M. P., et al. (2012). Psychiatric disorders in burning mouth syndrome. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 72(2), 142–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2011.11.008
Dokkedal-Silva, V., Berro, L. F., Galduróz, J. C. F., Tufik, S., & Andersen, M. L. (2019). Clonazepam: Indications, side effects, and potential for nonmedical use. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 27(5), 279–289.
Fang, M., Huang, Y., Li, C., et al. (2023). Over-expression of miRNA-206 in peripheral blood of patients with burning mouth syndrome and its relationship with anxiety and depression. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 50(4), 324–331. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13407
Farronato, G., & Maspero, C. (2012). Menopause: Changes in the oral cavity and preventive strategies. Journal of Women’s Health Care, 1(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0420.1000102
Fischoff, D. K., & Spivakovsky, S. (2017). Little evidence to support or refute interventions for managing burning mouth syndrome. Evidence-Based Dentistry, 18(2), 57–58. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6401244
Grushka, M. (1987). Clinical features of burning mouth syndrome. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, 63, 30–36.
Jørgensen, M. R., & Pedersen, A. M. L. (2017). Analgesic effect of topical oral capsaicin gel in burning mouth syndrome. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 75(2), 130–136.
Kisely, S., Forbes, M., Sawyer, E., Black, E., & Lalloo, R. (2016). A systematic review of randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 86, 39–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.05.001
Ko, J. Y., Kim, M. J., Lee, S. G., & Kho, H. S. (2012). Outcome predictors affecting the efficacy of clonazepam therapy in burning mouth syndrome. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 55(3), 755.
Kong, M. S., Kim, M. J., Kim, Y. Y., et al. (2024). Clinical characteristics and salivary biomarkers of burning mouth syndrome. Oral Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.14959
López-Jornet, P., Camacho-Alonso, F., Andujar-Mateos, P., & Sánchez-Siles, M. (2013). [Incomplete reference – please add missing details].
Lv, K., Lu, Y., Shen, C., Yao, Y., Chen, T., & Yao, H. (2025). Studies on burning mouth syndrome in the past 20 years: A bibliometric and visualised analysis. International Dental Journal, 75, 426–438.
McMillan, R., Forssell, H., Buchanan, J. A., Glenny, A. M., Weldon, J. C., & Zakrzewska, J. M. (2016). Interventions for treating burning mouth syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(11).
Minhas, M. R., Aboalkhair, A., & Alghamdi, H. H. (2019). Post-herpetic neuralgia in the elderly: Can topical capsaicin 8% patch be considered as first-line therapy? Anaesthesia, Pain & Intensive Care, 23(2), 225–230.
Putra, I. N. G. J., & Setiadhi, R. (2019). Management of burning mouth syndrome: A literature review. Odonto Dental Journal, 6(1).
Ritchie, A., & Kramer, J. M. (2018). Recent advances in the etiology and treatment of burning mouth syndrome. Journal of Dental Research, 97(11), 1193–1199.
Scala, A., Checchi, L., Montevecchi, M., Marini, I., & Giamberardino, M. A. (2003). Update on burning mouth syndrome: Overview and patient management. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, 14, 275–291.
Shivpuri, A., Sharma, S., Trehan, M., & Gupta, N. (2011). Burning mouth syndrome: A comprehensive review of literature. Asian Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 23(4), 161–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajoms.2011.06.002
Sun, A., Wu, K. M., Wang, Y. P., Lin, H. P., Chen, H. M., & Chiang, C. P. (2013). Burning mouth syndrome: A review and update. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 42(9), 649–655.
Tan, H. L., Smith, J. G., Hoffmann, J., et al. (2022). A systematic review of treatment for patients with burning mouth syndrome. Cephalalgia, 42, 128–161. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024211036152
Ueda, N., Kodama, Y., Hori, H., et al. (2008). Two cases of burning mouth syndrome treated with olanzapine. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 62(3), 359–361. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1819.2008.01806.x
Zakrzewska, J. M., & Hamlyn, P. J. (1999). Facial pain. In K. I. Crombie (Ed.), Epidemiology of pain (pp. 175–182). Seattle: IASP Press.
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Susanna Halim, Trya Fitri Ayuni

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Journal of Science and Science Education, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Journal of Science and Science Education.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).


