Burning mouth syndrome: a possible etiologic role for local contact hypersensitivity.

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of the burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is not yet understood. Apart from psychologic factors, several etiologic "somatic" factors have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

In 22 patients (19 women, 3 men, mean age 56 years) classified with BMS, clinical and laboratory investigations were performed, with particular emphasis on the role of contact hypersensitivity. Twenty of the 22 patients wore a complete or partial denture.

METHODS

Besides clinical and laboratory investigations patch testing was performed with a standard routine series and a standardized denture-dental (acrylate and metal) series.

RESULTS

Folate, iron, pyridoxine deficiency, and Candida infections were found, but correction of the deficiency or treatment of the infection was of no benefit. Contact allergy to allergens used in the production of acrylate-based dentures was observed in six (27%) of the cases (all wore a denture); positive reactions were seen to N,N,-dimethyl-4-toluidine (3 cases), to 4-tolyldiethanolamine (2 cases), to benzoylperoxide (2 cases), and to oligotriacrylate (1 case). In six cases (27%) a possible relevant sensitization was seen to dental metals and in particular to gold chloride (four cases).

CONCLUSION

The possible role of local hypersensitivity reactions to denture or dental components as etiologic factors in BMS must be considered.