A prospective, randomized study on the efficacy of tongue protector in patients with burning mouth syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To apply a tongue protector with habit-modifying therapy through self-control, in the patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS).


METHODS
A prospective, randomized study was made of 65 consecutive patients with BMS. Fifty subjects were randomized to two groups: group A (informed) and group B (informed and the application of a tongue protector). The symptoms were evaluated by VAS, whereas the psychological profile was assessed using the HAD, with application of the quality of life questionnaires SF-36 and OHIP-49. The duration of treatment was 2 months.


RESULTS
Fifty patients (46 females and 4 males) completed the study. The VAS scores in group B were 8.2 at baseline and 4.5 after 2 months. The respective scores in group A were 7.1 and 5.6 - the differences between the two groups being significant (P < 0.001). In group B the OHIP-49 yielded lower scores for most of the scales, with significant differences vs group A. In group B the SF 36 yielded significant differences vs group A in physical role, bodily pain, general health and emotional role.


CONCLUSIONS
Parafunctional traumatism of the tongue should be taken into account in the pathogenesis of BMS with a view to exploring new therapeutic options.
López-Jornet
P
P
Department of Oral Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain. majornet@um.es
Camacho-Alonso
F
F
Andujar-Mateos
P
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D032763:Behavior Control; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002054:Burning Mouth Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009064:Mouth Protectors; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D020959:Polyethylene; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D014059:Tongue; D014061:Tongue Habits / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020959:Polyethylene