Burning mouth syndrome and menopause

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Gynecology
• Neurology

Background:

• Menopause, a physiological transition in women's fifth decade, is associated with various oral symptoms.
• Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a prevalent and distressing oral symptom in this demographic.
• BMS is defined by intraoral burning sensations without identifiable oral lesions or laboratory abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss recent concepts in the etiopathogenesis of Burning Mouth Syndrome.
• To explore the role of pharmacotherapeutic management in addressing BMS.
• To provide an overview of current understanding and treatment approaches for BMS in menopausal women.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent concepts in BMS etiopathogenesis.
• Analysis of pharmacotherapeutic options for BMS management.
• Discussion of clinical manifestations and affected oral sites in BMS.

Main Results:

• BMS presents with diverse sensations like burning, tingling, and numbness, commonly affecting the anterior tongue.
• While the exact etiology of BMS is idiopathic, precipitating factors are recognized.
• Several treatments including medications and therapies offer symptomatic relief, but a definitive cure is not yet established.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the etiopathogenesis of BMS is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
• Pharmacotherapy plays a significant role in managing BMS symptoms, with various agents showing efficacy.
• Further research is needed to identify a definitive treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome, particularly in the context of menopause.