Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
07:10
Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
Burning mouth disorder (BMD) and taste: a hypothesis
Felice Femiano1, Alessandro Lanza, Curzio Buonaiuto
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto - Brazil. femiano@libero.it
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|August 1, 2008
Summary
Burning mouth disorder (BMD) may be linked to taste alterations. Many patients reported taste changes, suggesting taste disturbances could induce oral pain in susceptible individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oral medicine
- Neurology
- Sensory science
Background:
- Burning mouth disorder (BMD) is characterized by oral burning/stinging without visible lesions, predominantly affecting women around age 50.
- The multifactorial causes of BMD are poorly understood, but taste changes are frequently reported.
- Neural connections between taste and oral pain suggest a potential link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between burning mouth disorder and taste alterations.
- To identify potential causes of taste disturbances contributing to oral pain in BMD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 142 Burning Mouth Disorder cases with associated taste disturbance.
- Investigation of potential causes for taste alterations, including drug use, pathologies, and other conditions.
Main Results:
- 61 subjects habitually used medications known to interfere with taste perception.
- Among patients without associated pathology or drug use, 35 reported conditions or drug use affecting the gustatory system.
Conclusions:
- Taste alterations are frequently associated with Burning Mouth Disorder.
- BMD may be an oral phantom pain condition triggered by taste disturbances in susceptible individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Taste Buds and Receptors
Gustation, or the sense of taste, is intrinsically linked to the anatomical structures located on the tongue. This organ's surface, along with the entirety of the oral cavity, is adorned with stratified squamous epithelium. Evident on the tongue are elevated structures known as papillae (singular = papilla), which house the mechanisms for the transduction of gustatory stimuli. Four distinct types of papillae exist, each identified by their unique morphological attributes: the circumvallate,...
01:24The Physiology of Taste
The perception of a salty flavor is facilitated by sodium ions within the oral salivary fluid. Upon consumption of a salty substance, salt crystals disassemble, leading to the liberation of its constituents—Na+ and Cl- ions. These ions subsequently dissolve into the salivary fluid present in the oral cavity. The external environment of the gustatory cells experiences an elevation in Na+ concentration, thereby establishing a potent concentration gradient. This gradient propels the diffusion of...
01:43Gustation
Gustation is a chemical sense that, along with olfaction (smell), contributes to our perception of taste. It starts with the activation of receptors by chemical compounds (tastants) dissolved in the saliva. The saliva and filiform papillae on the tongue distribute the tastants and increase their exposure to the taste receptors.
01:23Salivary Glands and Saliva
The salivary glands, of which there are three pairs known as the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and initiating the digestive process. Positioned near the ears, beneath the masseter muscle, the parotid glands secrete saliva into the oral cavity through the parotid duct of Stensen. Meanwhile, the submandibular glands, located on the floor of the mouth, secrete saliva through channels named submandibular ducts. The sublingual glands,...
00:49The Tongue and Taste Buds
The surface of the tongue is covered with various small bumps called papillae, which either distribute what has been ingested (filiform papillae) or contain the sensory taste (or gustatory) receptor cells (fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae). Embedded within each taste-related papilla are the taste buds—clusters of 30 to 100 gustatory receptor cells.
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.