Vulnerability and presenting symptoms in burning mouth syndrome.

Objectives: To investigate if burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients have differing health perceptions, medication, and life experiences compared with controls and to examine the role of vulnerability factors and differentiate them from the presenting symptomology in patients with BMS.

Study Design: A nonprobability convenience sample of patients presenting with BMS and age- and sex-matched controls were recruited from Queen's University, Belfast, King's College London, and Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess 9 aspects of their medical and social history, including early and past life experiences.