Causative or precipitating aspects of burning mouth syndrome: a case-control study.

Background: On causative or precipitating causes of burning mouth syndrome (BMS), there is a lack of consensus. In this prospective case-control study, we compared clinical features and laboratory aspects to evaluate the association of the proposed causative/precipitating factors of BMS.

Methods: A total of 61 BMS patients and 54 control subjects underwent several evaluations: rest and stimulated salivary flow rates measurements, laboratory tests, isolation of Candida species, assessment of parafunctional activities, detection of anxiety and depression by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated to compare the variables.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found with regard to the tested variables except for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions: The results of this study seem not to support a role for the usually reported causative or precipitating factors of BMS and efforts should be addressed towards different aetiologies including possible neuropathic mechanisms of BMS.