Burning mouth syndrome: the role of contact hypersensitivity.
BACKGROUND
Burning mouth syndrome is a burning sensation or stinging disorder affecting the oral mucosa in the absence of any clinical signs or mucosal lesions. Some studies have suggested that burning mouth syndrome could be caused by the metals used in dental prostheses, as well as by acrylate monomers, additives and flavouring agents, although others have not found any aetiologic role for hypersensitivity to dental materials.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the extent and severity of adverse reactions to dental materials in a group of patients with burning mouth syndrome, and investigate the possible role of contact allergy in its pathogenesis.


METHODS
We prospectively studied 124 consecutive patients with burning mouth syndrome (108 males; mean age 57 years, range 41-83), all of whom underwent allergen patch testing between 2004 and 2007.


RESULTS
Sixteen patients (13%) showed positive patch test reactions and were classified as having burning mouth syndrome type 3 or secondary burning mouth syndrome (Lamey's and Scala's classifications).


CONCLUSIONS
Although we did not find any significant association between the patients and positive patch test reactions, it would be advisable to include hypersensitivity to dental components when evaluating patients experiencing intermittent oral burning without any clinical signs.
Marino
R
R
Unit of Oral Pathology and Medicine, University Dental Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. roberto.marino77@libero.it
Capaccio
P
P
Pignataro
L
L
Spadari
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D002054:Burning Mouth Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D002104:Cadmium / Q000009:adverse effects; D002712:Chlorides; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003824:Denture, Complete; D003829:Denture, Partial; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology; D020366:Methylmethacrylate / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010165:Palladium / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000485:Allergens; D002712:Chlorides; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D002104:Cadmium; D020366:Methylmethacrylate; C029938:nickel sulfate; D010165:Palladium; D009532:Nickel; D003723:Dental Amalgam; C024555:ferric chloride