Oral health‐related quality of life and associated factors in patients with burning mouth syndrome

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to assess oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and to identify clinical factors associated with OHRQoL. Methods Fifty‐seven patients with BMS (56.4 ± 10.7 years) participated in the study. Patients underwent oral examination, laboratory tests, psychological evaluation, measurement of salivary flow rates and evaluation of clinical characteristics using a BMS questionnaire. The OHRQoL of patients was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14). Results The OHIP‐14 score for patients with BMS was 38.6 ± 12.8. Patients had higher scores for the psychological discomfort and physical pain dimensions of the OHIP‐14. The intensity of taste disturbance or xerostomia symptoms ( β = 0.464, P < .001), worry about symptoms ( β = 0.307, P = .020), and results of psychological evaluation ( β = 0.311, P = .026) were significantly associated with OHIP‐14 score. Multiple linear regression showed that the intensity of taste disturbance or xerostomia symptoms was significantly associated with decreased OHRQoL ( β = 0.637, P = .026). Conclusions This study suggests that severity of taste disturbance or xerostomia is an important factor that influences OHRQoL in patients with BMS.