Glossodynia, also known as burning mouth syndrome (BMS), is characterized by persistent or recurrent burning in the mouth that can affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of cheeks, palate or other areas of the mouth.

Symptoms of glossodynia usually appear abruptly but can also develop over time. Symptoms may include persistent (lasting for months to years) or progressively worsening burning or scalding sensations (sometimes severe) that affects the tongue but may also affect the lips, gums, palate, throat or whole mouth; dry mouth; increased thirst; a bitter or metallic taste; loss of taste; or tingling, stinging, or numbness in the mouth. Symptoms of glossodynia may also come and go.

Treatment for glossodynia depends on whether it occurs on its own (primary) or as a result of other causes (secondary), such as the result of taking certain medications or other underlying conditions. There is no cure for primary glossodynia. Treatment for primary glossodynia focuses on managing symptoms and may include saliva replacement products, oral rinses, such as with topical lidocaine anesthetic for pain relief, or the pain reliever, capsaicin. Treatment for secondary burning mouth syndrome depends on the underlying condition and may include treatment for an oral infection; vitamin supplements; or discontinuing or adjusting dosages for existing medications, such as certain anti-epileptic drugs (clonazepam), certain antidepressants drugs, or nerve-blocking drugs; and cognitive behavioral therapy.