Changes in the oral cavity might reflect psychological disorders in some patients

The treatment of oral dysesthesias, such as burning mouth syndrome, can be challenging. Patient acceptance of the role of psychological etiological factors might be improved if there are clinical signs that patients could confirm themselves, which could be used as reinforcement of clinical discussions. Published associations between psychological disorder and various oral signs and symptoms are not suited to this purpose, as they are ambiguous in origin and implication. Others, used clinically in this situation, are not supported by published literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a demonstrable relationship could be established between psychological profile and the appearance and function of the oral cavity.

Seventy-nine participants underwent an oral examination and completed a Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 questionnaire. Correlations were calculated between clinical variables and the raw Depression Anxiety Stress Scale scores. Univariate analyses determined variables with significant differences between a high-risk and normal group, and multiple logistic regression models were calculated for these.

Various oral signs and symptoms were found to correlate with depression, anxiety, and/or stress, with some predictive of psychological disturbance.

These signs and symptoms might be used to reinforce the psychological aspects of an oral dysesthesia.