Women’s Experiences of Living with Burning Mouth Syndrome:An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder with distressing symptoms. It is characterized by an absence of organic disease, yet a persistent burning and/or itching sensation in the oral cavity [1]. It mainly affects the tip and the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, although other areas, including the hard palate, lips and alveolar ridges, buccal mucosa and the floor of the mouth, may also be affected [2]. Pain is intense and the symptoms tend to last a minimum of 4-6 months, and may be relieved by consuming food. BMS can also be accompanied by Dysgeusia (an alteration in taste) and subjective Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth [3].