Oral dysesthesia or burning mouth syndrome
(BMS) is a painful condition affecting the oral
cavity (palate, tongue, throat and gingivae).78,79
Other abnormal oral sensations may co-exist with
the burning mouth sensation such as tingling,
numbness, dryness or sore mouth at the same time.
The exact cause of BMS is unknown, but it has been
attributed to several conditions such as dry mouth,
menopause, candidal infection, diabetes mellitus,
cancer therapy, psychological problems and acid
reflux. BMS is classified into two types: primary
idiopathic, and secondary as a result of a systemic
process; secondary BMS has been reported to
occur with diabetes mellitus. It could adversely
affect the ability to maintain good oral hygiene in
patients with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy could
be the underlying cause of BMS in patients with
diabetes. The nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy
has been reported to show an increase in the
Langerhans cells that are associated with immune
disturbance.80, 81 Therefore, it is crucial to screen
patients who have symptoms of BMS for diabetes
mellitus.
is a painful condition affecting the oral
cavity