Press kit

Reporting on burning mouth syndrome

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What the condition is

In one paragraph

Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic burning, scalding, or raw sensation in the tongue, lips, palate, or throat that occurs without a visible cause on examination. It frequently comes with dry mouth, altered taste, or a metallic taste, and it commonly worsens through the day. Because the oral tissues usually look healthy, it is often attributed to stress or dismissed, and people can go years without a diagnosis. It is more common in women and appears most often after midlife. Reduced saliva — often caused by medications — is one of the most common contributors and one of the most frequently missed.

Key figures

Statistics, with sources

1.73% Pooled prevalence in the general population worldwide (1.10% in North America) — source: Wu S, et al. Oral Diseases. 2022;28(6):1431–1440. doi:10.1111/odi.13868
1.15% vs 0.38% Prevalence in women vs men; 3.31% in adults over 50 — same source
900+ Medications, supplements and oral-care products in the free Medication Check at drshanecope.com, each with its evidence basis

Source

Shane Cope, DDS, MSD

Specialist in periodontics (Indiana University School of Dentistry) and in oral medicine and orofacial pain (University of Southern California), with a clinical focus on burning mouth syndrome, chronic dry mouth, and orofacial pain. Founder of BMS Awareness Day.

Available for interviews on burning mouth syndrome, chronic dry mouth, medication-induced xerostomia, and why conditions with a normal exam go unrecognized.

press@bmsawarenessday.org

Assets

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