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Clinical characteristics and therapeutic response in patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome: accompanying 2 years

Características clínicas e resposta terapêutica em pacientes portadores da Síndrome de Ardência Bucal: acompanhamento de 2 anos

Abstract

Introduction

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a condition characterized by burning symptom of the oral mucosa in the absence of clinical signs. Its etiology is still unknown and, and to date there is no effective treatment.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with BMS profile and the therapies results in a retrospective study.

Material and method

Clinical and therapeutic data were collected from records of patients with BMS diagnosed between January 2013 to April 2015 at the Clinic of Stomatology Clinic, Faculdade de Odontologia of Universidade de São Paulo, according to the criteria established by the International Headache Society in 2013. The therapies used for BMS control were also evaluated.

Result

Twelve patients were diagnosed with BMS at this period. All of them were women with a mean age of 61.18 years and the apex of the tongue was the most common affected site and the duration of the burning sensation ranged from 6 months to 25 years. Many therapies were prescribed for BMS control, such as topical capsaicin, topical clonazepan, low level laser therapy and homeopathy. Among the established therapies, capsaicin has immediate effect in reducing symptoms.

Conclusion

The present study showed that the challenges towards an effective treatment for BMS are varied and are mainly related to the lack knowing of the pathogenesis of this disease. The demographic profile of patients studied here was similar to that described in the available literature, however, the variables represented by secondary symptoms (medical history, anxiety and depression levels) may be modifying factors of therapeutic response and the pathogenesis of the disease itself.

Descriptors:
Burning Mouth Syndrome; treatment; neuropathic pain

Resumo

Introdução

A Síndrome de Ardência Bucal (SAB) é uma condição caracterizada pelo sintoma de ardência na mucosa oral na ausência de qualquer sinal clínico. Sua etiologia ainda é desconhecida e, até o momento, não dispõe de tratamento efetivo.

Objetivo

Avaliar o perfil do paciente portador de SAB, as terapias instituídas e seus resultados em estudo retrospectivo.

Material e método

Foram coletados os dados clínicos e terapêuticos dos prontuários de pacientes diagnosticados com SAB, no período de janeiro de 2013 a abril de 2015, no Ambulatório da Disciplina de Estomatologia Clínica da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo. Os critérios para o diagnóstico utilizados se basearam nos estabelecidos pela International Headache Society em 2013 e foram observadas as terapêuticas empregadas e seus resultados.

Resultado

Doze pacientes foram diagnosticadas com SAB neste período, todas do sexo feminino, média de idade 61,18 anos, e a principal região acometida pelo sintoma de ardor foi o ápice de língua. O tempo de duração deste sintoma variou de 6 meses a 25 anos. As terapias utilizadas para o controle de sintomas da SAB foram capsaicina, clonazepan tópico, laserterapia e homeopatia. Dentre as terapias instituídas, a capsaicina apresentou efeito imediato na redução dos sintomas.

Conclusão

O presente estudo demonstrou que os desafios que circundam a obtenção de um tratamento efetivo para a SAB são diversos e estão principalmente relacionados ao desconhecimento da etiopatogenia da doença. O perfil demográfico dos pacientes aqui estudados foi semelhante ao descrito na literatura disponível, entretanto, as variáveis representadas por sintomas secundários (história médica, níveis de ansiedade e depressão) podem constituir fatores modificadores da resposta terapêutica e da própria etiopatogenia da doença.

Descritores:
Síndrome da Ardência Bucal; tratamento; dor neuropática

INTRODUCTION

Early XX century Butlin and Oppenheim characterized the Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) as glossodynia11 Gilpin SF. Glossodynia. J Am Med Assoc. 1936;106(20):1722-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1936.02770200028010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1936.0277...
, and it was subsequently named glossopyrosis, oral dysesthesia, painful tongue, stomatodynia and stomatoprosis22 Zakrzewska JM, Forssell H, Glenny AM. Interventions for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Jan;(1):CD002779. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002779.pub2. PMid:15674897.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002...
.

According to the current diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS) de 201333 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society – IHS. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013 Jul;33(9):629-808. PMid:23771276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0333102413485658.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03331024134856...
; BMS features chronic pain, spontaneous burning, with visibly intact mucosa, in addition to presenting normal clinical, dental, laboratorial and systemic findings44 Grushka M, Epstein JB, Gorsky M. Burning mouth syndrome: differential diagnosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2002 Sep;15(3):287-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01535.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.20...
. According to IHS, BMS is a distinct nosologic entity, characterized by burning episodes lasting at least four months55 Merksey H, Bogduk N. Classification of chronic pain: descriptions of chronic pain syndromes and definitions of pain terms/prepared by the task force on taxonomy of the International Association for the Study of Pain. 2nd ed. Seattle: IASP; 1994..

Symptoms rise spontaneously and may be commonly followed by tasting changes (metallic or bitter) and xerostomia66 Nagler RM, Hershkovich O. Sialochemical and gustatory analysis in patients with oral sensory complaints. J Pain. 2004 Feb;5(1):56-63. PMid:14975379. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2003.09.002.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2003.0...
. In most cases, the reports describe painful peaks during the day and these may be isolated or persistent. Symptoms rise in the morning, worsening during the day, with its peak later in the afternoon, ending at the evening, rarely interfering with the patient sleep77 Torgerson RR. Burning mouth syndrome. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2010 May-Jun;23(3):291-8. PMid:20597947. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01325.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.20...
and also vary according to the food ingested and emotional state. The most affected anatomical regions are tongue, followed by palate, lower lip and jugal mucosa88 Grushka M. Clinical features of burning mouth syndrome. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1987 Jan;63(1):30-6. PMid:3468464. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0030-4220(87)90336-7.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0030-4220(87)9...
. Complaints are normally bilateral but it may also occur unilaterally99 Jääskeläinen SK. Pathophysiology of primary burning mouth syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012 Jan;123(1):71-7. PMid:22030140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011.07.054.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011....
,1010 Kohorst JJ, Bruce AJ, Torgerson RR, Schenck LA, Davis MD. The prevalence of burning mouth syndrome: a population‐based study. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Jun;172(6):1654-6. PMid:25495557. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13613.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13613...
.

Several factors mimic the BMS symptoms, such as non-adapted prosthesis, parafunctional factors, allergies, candida, diabetes, hypothyroidism, menopause, nutritional deficiencies (iron, folic acid, vitamin B and/or zinc), digestive disorders, Sjögren syndrome and other autoimmune diseases, antihistaminic drugs, antiepileptic, hypotensive and diuretics33 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society – IHS. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013 Jul;33(9):629-808. PMid:23771276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0333102413485658.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03331024134856...
,44 Grushka M, Epstein JB, Gorsky M. Burning mouth syndrome: differential diagnosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2002 Sep;15(3):287-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01535.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.20...
,66 Nagler RM, Hershkovich O. Sialochemical and gustatory analysis in patients with oral sensory complaints. J Pain. 2004 Feb;5(1):56-63. PMid:14975379. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2003.09.002.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2003.0...
. These must be investigated and excluded for the BMS diagnosis.

Changes in psychological profile can be observed in addition to the mentioned symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, hypochondria, cancerophobia, and emotional instability1111 Scala A, Checchi L, Montevecchi M, Marini I, Giamberardino MA. Update on burning mouth syndrome: overview and patient managenment. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2003;14(4):275-91. PMid:12907696. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/154411130301400405.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15441113030140...
,1212 Mendak-Ziółko M, Konopka T, Bogucki ZA. Evaluation of select neurophysiological, clinical and psychological tests for burning mouth syndrome. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 Sep;114(3):325-32. PMid:22862972. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2012.04.004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2012.04...
.

Published prevalence data as scarce and variable (0.7 to 4.6%)1010 Kohorst JJ, Bruce AJ, Torgerson RR, Schenck LA, Davis MD. The prevalence of burning mouth syndrome: a population‐based study. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Jun;172(6):1654-6. PMid:25495557. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13613.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13613...
, and this variability in the numbers reflect the difficulty in stablishing a criterion for the BMS diagnosis1313 Borelli V, Marchioli A, Di Taranto R, Romano M, Chiandussi S, Di Lenarda R, et al. Neuropeptides in saliva of subjects with burning mouth syndrome: a pilot study. Oral Dis. 2010 May;16(4):365-74. PMid:20233324. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2009.01648.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.20...
.

It is seven times more common in women than men, between the 4th and 5th decade of life and the following risk factors contribute to its development: female gender, perimenopause, Parkinson disease and other chronic diseases, including gastrointestinal and urogenital diseases1414 Gurvits GE, Tan A. Burning mouth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Feb;19(5):665-72. PMid:23429751. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i5.665.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i5.665...
.

There is no remedial protocol regarding the BMS therapy. Thus, the patients are oriented with several therapies, with results not always satisfactory that vary from tongue protectors to prescription drugs1515 Miziara I, Chagury A, Vargas C, Freitas L, Mahmoud A. Therapeutic options in idiopathic burning mouth syndrome: literature review. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;19(1):86-9. PMid:25992157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138...
.

The use of drugs as tricyclic antidepressants, clonazepan (benzodiazepine), gabapentin and antiepileptic is common, targeting the control of the oral burning symptoms44 Grushka M, Epstein JB, Gorsky M. Burning mouth syndrome: differential diagnosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2002 Sep;15(3):287-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01535.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.20...
. In an attempt to minimize the adverse effects, the use of topical clonazepan was evaluated, with reduction of 70% in the burning sensation1515 Miziara I, Chagury A, Vargas C, Freitas L, Mahmoud A. Therapeutic options in idiopathic burning mouth syndrome: literature review. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;19(1):86-9. PMid:25992157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138...
. However, the study performed by Moraes et al.1616 Moraes M, Bezerra BAM, Rocha PC No, Soares ACAO, Pinto LP, Costa ALL. Randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an evidence‐based review of the literature. J Oral Pathol Med. 2012 Apr;41(4):281-7. PMid:22092585. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2011.01100.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...
observed that even in topical form, some patients reported side effects, such as drowsiness, xerostomia, and increased burning sensation in the mouth in some cases.

Thus, other modalities with lower adverse effects have been evaluated and considered as first line of treatment for BMS. Petruzzi et al.1717 Petruzzi M, Lauritano D, De Benedittis M, Baldoni M, Serpico R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short‐term results of a pilot study. J Oral Pathol Med. 2004 Feb;33(2):111-4. PMid:14720197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2004.0194n.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...
evaluated the effect of systemic capsaicin over four weeks. The authors observed a significant reduction of the symptom and suggested that the positive results support the hypothesis of neurologic etiology. However, the treatment caused gastric pain in 32% of the patients, with symptoms starting from the second week of treatment1717 Petruzzi M, Lauritano D, De Benedittis M, Baldoni M, Serpico R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short‐term results of a pilot study. J Oral Pathol Med. 2004 Feb;33(2):111-4. PMid:14720197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2004.0194n.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...
. The use of topical capsaicin presents the unpleasant side effect because it is derived from pepper, but has a positive effect in reducing the symptoms1515 Miziara I, Chagury A, Vargas C, Freitas L, Mahmoud A. Therapeutic options in idiopathic burning mouth syndrome: literature review. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;19(1):86-9. PMid:25992157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138...
.

Low level laser irradiation with wavelength between 632 and 780 nm has shown that phototherapy increases the metabolism of the injured nervous cell, stimulating the production of scar tissue in the injured region. This prevents and/or reduces the degeneration of injured fibers; stimulates the axonal growth and its remyelination. The effects produced remain the same after the irradiation period ceases1818 Rochkind S. Photoengineering of neural tissue repair processes in peripheral nerves and the spinal cord: research development with clinical applications. Photomed Laser Surg. 2006 Apr;24(2):151-7. PMid:16706693. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.151.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.15...
. These benefic effects were observed in the study by Kato et al.1919 Kato IT, Pellegrini VD, Prates RA, Ribeiro MS, Wetter NU, Sugaya NN. Low-level laser therapy in burning mouth syndrome patients: a pilot study. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010 Dec;28(6):835-9. PMid:21142725. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2630.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2630...
, that investigated the low level laser effect in the BMS treatment, observing 80% reduction of the symptoms for up to 90 days.

Homeopathy is also a therapeutic alternative for BMS with no significant adverse effects. In a randomized controlled study performed by Chebel Chebel OFI. Ação do tratamento homeopático na sintomatologia da síndrome da ardência bucal em duas fases: estudo duplo cego placebo controlado e estudo aberto [tese]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade de São Paulo; 2013. in 2012, pioneer in this area, there was a 40% reduction of BMS symptoms with a homeopathic treatment using Arsenicum album, and a 60% reduction in individual homeopathic treatment for the patient according to the specific anamnesis for this therapy.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with the profile of BMS and the therapies results in a retrospective study.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee of the Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo – FOUSP (CAAE no.: 0151.0.017.000-11). All subjects signed an Informed Consent to participate in this research, according to the Declaration of Helsinki.

Records of patients with BMS seen at the Clinical Stomatology Ambulatory of the FOUSP between January 2013 to April 2015 were included in this study analysis. All diagnosis were based on the report of symptoms in agreement with BMS, according to criteria stablished by the International Headache Society de 201333 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society – IHS. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013 Jul;33(9):629-808. PMid:23771276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0333102413485658.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03331024134856...
, i.e., presence of daily burning symptom for period above four months and absence of clinical changes in the affected tissues.

The exclusion criteria stablished for BMS diagnosis were based on local and systemic changes regarding mouth burning symptoms, such as candidosis, xerostomia/hyposalivation, anemia, nutritional deficiency, diabetes mellitus and Sjögren's Syndrome.

Information gathered from these records were correlated to the patients demographic data, such as gender and age, regarding mouth burning complaint, such as local, duration, intensity and therapy used.

Regarding therapy used, we annotated the therapies used and the effects reported by the patients. In this case, the protocols used for treating BMS are based on those published in the global literature1515 Miziara I, Chagury A, Vargas C, Freitas L, Mahmoud A. Therapeutic options in idiopathic burning mouth syndrome: literature review. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;19(1):86-9. PMid:25992157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138...

16 Moraes M, Bezerra BAM, Rocha PC No, Soares ACAO, Pinto LP, Costa ALL. Randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an evidence‐based review of the literature. J Oral Pathol Med. 2012 Apr;41(4):281-7. PMid:22092585. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2011.01100.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...

17 Petruzzi M, Lauritano D, De Benedittis M, Baldoni M, Serpico R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short‐term results of a pilot study. J Oral Pathol Med. 2004 Feb;33(2):111-4. PMid:14720197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2004.0194n.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...

18 Rochkind S. Photoengineering of neural tissue repair processes in peripheral nerves and the spinal cord: research development with clinical applications. Photomed Laser Surg. 2006 Apr;24(2):151-7. PMid:16706693. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.151.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.15...
-1919 Kato IT, Pellegrini VD, Prates RA, Ribeiro MS, Wetter NU, Sugaya NN. Low-level laser therapy in burning mouth syndrome patients: a pilot study. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010 Dec;28(6):835-9. PMid:21142725. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2630.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2630...
Chebel OFI. Ação do tratamento homeopático na sintomatologia da síndrome da ardência bucal em duas fases: estudo duplo cego placebo controlado e estudo aberto [tese]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade de São Paulo; 2013. , and are applied to the patients according to the lower chance of important adverse effects and availability, including homeopathy, laser therapy, topical capsaicin and topical clonazepan.

In addition, we evaluated information on hematological exams (complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, serum iron, ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B12) requested to exclude the systemic changes aforementioned. As well as records of yeast research of the genre Candida, using the method of exfoliative cytology and sialometry at rest to evaluate the non-stimulated saliva flow, to exclude the local changes also mentioned above.

The data collected from records were organized in spreadsheets and the results were expressed in a descriptive manner and presented in tables.

RESULT

During this period of 27 months, 12 patients were diagnosed with BMS, in a total of 1625 new patients seen at the Clinical Stomatology Ambulatory of the FOUSP. Therefore, the BMS prevalence in this population was of 0.74%. Considering that BMS occurs predominantly in adults, the BMS prevalence in individuals above 50 years of age (877/1625) was of 1.37%.

It is noteworthy that other patients came to the Ambulatory with complains of burning mouth; however, they did not meet the criteria for BMS diagnosis. Those patients presented yeast infection by Candida, confirmed by the cytological test and, therefore, were diagnosed as oral candidiasis and treated with nistatin 1.000 IU as mouth wash during 10 days (n=2).

Other two patients that presented deficit in the hematological exam were referred to a general practitioner for evaluation and proper treatment, these cases were resolved after normalizing the blood serum levels. The case of burning due to trauma was resolved after removal/adaptation of the causing agent (n=1) and the cases with hyposalivation (n=3), proved by the sialometry test, receive a prescription for saliva stimulation and/or oral humectants, as well as orientation to moisturize the mouth.

In the casuistic of 12 patients diagnosed with BMS, all were female, aged between 48 and 71 years old, and average age of 61.18 years. According to the diagnosis criteria, the exfoliative cytology results of these patients were Papanicolau grade I or II and were negative for the yeast Candida. Thus, the results of the hematological tests requested to investigate nutritional deficit were within the normal range.

All denied tobacco and alcohol use, two patients had prosthesis, one bimaxilar and the other upper total.

From the 12 patients evaluated with BMS, all mentioned burning symptom in the tongue, mainly apical, and 3 reported also the palate, gum and lips. Regarding the symptoms duration, reports varied from 6 months to 27 years according to Table 1.

Table 1
Anatomical region affected and time of duration of symptoms in patients with BMS, from January 2013 to April 2015

Among the systemic changes (Table 2) we observed that only 2 patients did not present any systemic disease. The remaining, 5 had gastrointestinal changes (gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis and hemorrhoids), 4 had psychiatric disorders (anxiety and depression), 3 had hypothyroidism, 3 had high blood pressure, 1 had osteoporosis and 1 cardiac arrhythmia.

Table 2
Systemic diseases reported by the patients with BMS, from January 2013 to April 2015

Regarding the drugs used to treat the systemic changes described, associated or isolated, we observed that 5 patients used proton pump inhibitors, 3 used antihypertensive, 3 used thyroid hormones, 2 antidepressive, 2 anxiolytics, 1 had hormonal replacement therapy with estrogen. Only two patients did not use any medication, as shown in Table 3.

Table 3
Drugs used by the patients with BMS, from January 2013 to April 2015

According to the records, 12 patients were treated during this period with several therapeutic protocols previously investigated and published in the global literature1515 Miziara I, Chagury A, Vargas C, Freitas L, Mahmoud A. Therapeutic options in idiopathic burning mouth syndrome: literature review. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;19(1):86-9. PMid:25992157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1378138...

16 Moraes M, Bezerra BAM, Rocha PC No, Soares ACAO, Pinto LP, Costa ALL. Randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an evidence‐based review of the literature. J Oral Pathol Med. 2012 Apr;41(4):281-7. PMid:22092585. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2011.01100.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...

17 Petruzzi M, Lauritano D, De Benedittis M, Baldoni M, Serpico R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short‐term results of a pilot study. J Oral Pathol Med. 2004 Feb;33(2):111-4. PMid:14720197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2004.0194n.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...

18 Rochkind S. Photoengineering of neural tissue repair processes in peripheral nerves and the spinal cord: research development with clinical applications. Photomed Laser Surg. 2006 Apr;24(2):151-7. PMid:16706693. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.151.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.15...
-1919 Kato IT, Pellegrini VD, Prates RA, Ribeiro MS, Wetter NU, Sugaya NN. Low-level laser therapy in burning mouth syndrome patients: a pilot study. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010 Dec;28(6):835-9. PMid:21142725. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2630.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2630...
Chebel OFI. Ação do tratamento homeopático na sintomatologia da síndrome da ardência bucal em duas fases: estudo duplo cego placebo controlado e estudo aberto [tese]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade de São Paulo; 2013. , as described in Table 4. The symptoms evaluation regarding therapy was performed using the Analogical Visual Scale records available in the patients’ records.

Table 4
Therapy used to treat BMS, from January 2013 to April 2015

Of the 12 patients with BMS, three had homeopathic therapy with 60% reduction of burning symptoms, except one patient that was referred to neurological treatment with systemic antidepressants due to the unsuccessful of this therapy.

Four other patients underwent treatment with laser therapy, showing 60% reduction of symptoms during the therapy. However, one patient left the treatment due to inability to continue the 10 sessions of low level laser application and 1 patient showed recurrence of burning symptoms in the tongue after the end of the laser therapy, and along with other 5 new patients underwent topical treatment with capsaicin.

According to the patients’ records, we observed an immediate effect in the reduction of symptoms, about 50%, with the use of topical capsaicin. However, one patient left the treatment due to local adverse effect of increase burning sensation, and also 2 cases showed loss of therapy efficacy after the period of 3 months of treatment with capsaicin, and was then treated with topical clonazepan and showed 50% of symptom control.

DISCUSSION

BMS is an important clinical condition as it causes significant problems to the patient quality of life44 Grushka M, Epstein JB, Gorsky M. Burning mouth syndrome: differential diagnosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2002 Sep;15(3):287-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01535.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.20...
,1111 Scala A, Checchi L, Montevecchi M, Marini I, Giamberardino MA. Update on burning mouth syndrome: overview and patient managenment. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2003;14(4):275-91. PMid:12907696. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/154411130301400405.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15441113030140...
,2020 Zakrzewska JM, Forssell H, Glenny AM. Interventions for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: a systematic review. J Orofac Pain. 2003;17(4):293-300. PMid:14737873.. Due to the invisible clinical signs, the patient often feels discredited by families and health providers that do not know the BMS. Therefore, they have great difficulty in diagnosis, and are referred to several health specialties and undergo several therapies, most of the time, not efficient. Thus, the scientific investigation of therapeutic and etiologic aspects is essential.

The group of patients diagnosed with BMS consecutively included in this study was exclusively female with an average age of 61.18 years. These data agree with the findings of several epidemiological studies that designed these patients profile as predominantly female and in the peri/pos menopause44 Grushka M, Epstein JB, Gorsky M. Burning mouth syndrome: differential diagnosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2002 Sep;15(3):287-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01535.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.20...
,99 Jääskeläinen SK. Pathophysiology of primary burning mouth syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012 Jan;123(1):71-7. PMid:22030140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011.07.054.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011....
,1111 Scala A, Checchi L, Montevecchi M, Marini I, Giamberardino MA. Update on burning mouth syndrome: overview and patient managenment. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2003;14(4):275-91. PMid:12907696. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/154411130301400405.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15441113030140...
,1414 Gurvits GE, Tan A. Burning mouth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Feb;19(5):665-72. PMid:23429751. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i5.665.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i5.665...
,2020 Zakrzewska JM, Forssell H, Glenny AM. Interventions for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: a systematic review. J Orofac Pain. 2003;17(4):293-300. PMid:14737873..

The characterization of the burning symptom showed a pattern previously described in the literature in 100% of the patients evaluated, which shows reports of the symptom in the morning, worsening along the day, but rarely interfering with sleep44 Grushka M, Epstein JB, Gorsky M. Burning mouth syndrome: differential diagnosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2002 Sep;15(3):287-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01535.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.20...
,77 Torgerson RR. Burning mouth syndrome. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2010 May-Jun;23(3):291-8. PMid:20597947. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01325.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.20...
,99 Jääskeläinen SK. Pathophysiology of primary burning mouth syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012 Jan;123(1):71-7. PMid:22030140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011.07.054.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011....
. This profile also varies according to the food ingested and emotional state. Most of the patients evaluated reported great discomfort when ingesting acid food and increased intensity of burning according to the level of emotional stress in certain days.

Regarding the anatomical region of burning sensation, 58.3% of the patients reported higher frequency in the apex of tongue, even though the literature shows that the most common complaint was bilateral in the tongue sides99 Jääskeläinen SK. Pathophysiology of primary burning mouth syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012 Jan;123(1):71-7. PMid:22030140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011.07.054.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011....
,1010 Kohorst JJ, Bruce AJ, Torgerson RR, Schenck LA, Davis MD. The prevalence of burning mouth syndrome: a population‐based study. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Jun;172(6):1654-6. PMid:25495557. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13613.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13613...
.

In clinical practice we observed that xerostomy affected 33.3% of the patients; despite the complaint, the salivary flow measured was within the normal range and did not indicate hyposalivation in the evaluated patients. In addition, all patients used several drugs to treat systemic chronic diseases, which impair the diagnosis of primary BMS. The observations in this study show that the current definition of BMS may need to be revised due to the great difficulty in classifying the patient in the strict clinical criteria stablished, also evidenced by other researchers33 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society – IHS. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013 Jul;33(9):629-808. PMid:23771276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0333102413485658.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03331024134856...
,2121 Patton LL, Siegel MA, Benoliel R, De Laat A. Management of burning mouth syndrome: systematic review and management recommendations. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2007 Mar;103(Suppl):S39. e1-S39.e13. PMid: 17379153. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tripleo.2006.11.009.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tripleo.2006...
,2222 Eliav E, Kamran B, Schaham R, Czerninski R, Gracely RH, Benoliel R. Evidence of chorda tympani dysfunction in patients with burning mouth syndrome. J Am Dent Assoc. 2007 May;138(5):628-33. PMid:17473041. http://dx.doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2007.0234.
http://dx.doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive....
.

This study showed concomitantly to the difficulty in stablishing the diagnosis, problems to stablish a relationship with the patients since most of them present anxiety and depression, even skepticism in the cure of a disease that does not have evident lesions but is able to trigger significant social, feeding and psychological issues. In the casuistic evaluated, 33.3% of the patients already presented the anxiety and/or depression and were being treated for these behavioral disorder. The burden of suffering BMS for years was also pointed out as cause of the changes in the psychological profile, due to the loss of quality of life44 Grushka M, Epstein JB, Gorsky M. Burning mouth syndrome: differential diagnosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2002 Sep;15(3):287-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01535.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.20...
,1111 Scala A, Checchi L, Montevecchi M, Marini I, Giamberardino MA. Update on burning mouth syndrome: overview and patient managenment. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2003;14(4):275-91. PMid:12907696. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/154411130301400405.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15441113030140...
,1212 Mendak-Ziółko M, Konopka T, Bogucki ZA. Evaluation of select neurophysiological, clinical and psychological tests for burning mouth syndrome. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 Sep;114(3):325-32. PMid:22862972. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2012.04.004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2012.04...
,2323 Albuquerque RJ, de Leeuw R, Carlson CR, Okeson JP, Miller CS, Andersen AH. Cerebral activation during thermal stimulation of patients who have burning mouth disorder: an fMRI study. Pain. 2006 Jun;122(3):223-34. PMid:16632202. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2006.01.020.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2006.01...
,2424 Javali MA. Burning mouth syndrome: an enigmatic disorder. Kathmandu Univ Med J. 2013 Apr-Jun;11(42):175-8. PMid:24096230..

Other systemic change often reported by the patients in this study was the presence of digestive disorders such as gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux in 41.6%. This correlation was also observed in other studies1212 Mendak-Ziółko M, Konopka T, Bogucki ZA. Evaluation of select neurophysiological, clinical and psychological tests for burning mouth syndrome. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 Sep;114(3):325-32. PMid:22862972. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2012.04.004.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2012.04...
,1414 Gurvits GE, Tan A. Burning mouth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Feb;19(5):665-72. PMid:23429751. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i5.665.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i5.665...
,2525 Gleber FO No, Diniz IMA, Grossmann SMC, Abreu MHNG, Carmo MAV, Aguiar MCF. Risk factors in burning mouth syndrome: a case–control study based on patient records. Clin Oral Investig. 2011 Aug;15(4):571-5. PMid:20440632. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-010-0419-5.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-010-041...
.

Finally, we also observed in the patients’ follow-up that the BMS treatment is challenging, even when the patients present similar complaints and age. Even though the therapies used (homeotherapy, laser, topical capsaicin and clonazepan) showed a good result in reducing symptoms, they are not curative and lose their efficacy, which lead to drug replacement and discredit by some patients. On the other hand, professional contact and welcoming also show positive result in light of the patient emotional component. This correlations were reported in the literature1616 Moraes M, Bezerra BAM, Rocha PC No, Soares ACAO, Pinto LP, Costa ALL. Randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an evidence‐based review of the literature. J Oral Pathol Med. 2012 Apr;41(4):281-7. PMid:22092585. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2011.01100.x.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.20...
,2424 Javali MA. Burning mouth syndrome: an enigmatic disorder. Kathmandu Univ Med J. 2013 Apr-Jun;11(42):175-8. PMid:24096230., and considering the primary BMS subtypes99 Jääskeläinen SK. Pathophysiology of primary burning mouth syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012 Jan;123(1):71-7. PMid:22030140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011.07.054.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2011....
and that the neuropathic pain may be associated to BMS may be a mixture of peripheric or central2626 Grémeau-Richard C, Dubray C, Aublet-Cuvelier B, Ughetto S, Woda A. Effect of lingual nerve block on burning mouth syndrome (stomatodynia): a randomized crossover trial. Pain. 2010 Apr;149(1):27-32. PMid:20083352. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2009.11.016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2009.11...
, the proposed ideal therapy must be individual2727 Nickel FT, Seifert F, Lanz S, Maihöfner C. Mechanisms of neuropathic pain. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012 Feb;22(2):81-91. PMid:21672666. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.05.005.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.20...
. However, new studies are needed in order to define better treatment protocols.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that the challenges towards an effective treatment for BMS are varied and are mainly related to the lack knowing of the pathogenesis of this disease. The demographic profile of patients studied here was similar to that described in the available literature; however, the variables represented by secondary symptoms (medical history, anxiety and depression levels) may be modifying factors of therapeutic response and the pathogenesis of the disease itself.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors acknowledge the dental surgeon and master Vivian Diane Pellegrini for the study initial design.

  • Chebel OFI. Ação do tratamento homeopático na sintomatologia da síndrome da ardência bucal em duas fases: estudo duplo cego placebo controlado e estudo aberto [tese]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade de São Paulo; 2013.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    06 Feb 2017
  • Date of issue
    Jan-Feb 2017

History

  • Received
    12 Jan 2016
  • Accepted
    17 Oct 2016
Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Rua Humaitá, 1680 - Caixa Postal 331, 14801-903 Araraquara,São Paulo,SP, Tel.: (55 16) 3301-6376, Fax: (55 16) 3301-6433 - Araraquara - SP - Brazil
E-mail: adriana@foar.unesp.br