Burning Mouth Syndrome- Current Interventions Review & Quality of Life Impact
Objectives: To collect baseline data and ascertain the impact Burning Mouth Syndrome has on patient quality of life. To review the current treatment regimes provided in the Oral Medicine Clinic in Cork Dental Hospital. Methods: The study period was from September 2006- June 2007. Screening was based on referral letters, clinical presentation & history of symptoms on date of first attendance. Exclusion criteria were a positive drug or medical history, abnormal sialometry, evidence of mucosal disease or biochemical / haematological abnormalities. Recalls were at 2 week, 6 week & 3 month intervals. Validate scales & questionnaires were used at each recall appointment. Scales used were a Short McGill Pain Questionnaire, a 10cm Visual Analogue Scale, the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale & the Oral Health Impact Profile. All patients were informed & reassured about the condition. Individually tailored regimes were created & monitored for side-effects at each recall appointment. Results; 24 patients were enrolled. The average VAS pain level reduced from 8.2 to 4.8 by month 3. There was an 81% reduction in McGill pain levels from ‘severe burning’ to ‘moderate burning’. A 93% reduction in anxiety levels was recorded through the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale. Dosulepin hydrochloride (Prothiaden) was the drug most frequently used. 3 patients improved with reassurance alone. 73% improved with a combined drug & reassurance regime. Conclusions: BMS has a severe & debilitating effect on quality of life. Reassurance & information reduced patient anxiety levels. A public health initiative should be encouraged to educate general dental & medical practitioners on recognising symptoms & expedient referral to specialist centres. Further research is required into impact on quality of life.