Burning mouth syndrome (oral dysesthesia, sore tongue, stomatodynia, and/or stomatopyrosis) is a chronic disorder characterized by burning and painful sensation in the oral cavity for at least 3 months. While the tongue is most commonly affected, the rest of the oral cavity may be affected as well. Primary burning mouth syndrome is idiopathic and is not associated with any underlying etiology. Secondary burning mouth syndrome is likely multifactorial, with numerous physiologic and/or psychosomatic factors at play. Reported systemic associations include nutritional, endocrine, allergic, autoimmune, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, psychiatric, and neurologic diseases. Several medications, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, have been implicated as well.

Burning mouth syndrome typically affects adults, with a strong predilection for women aged 40-60 years. The prevalence is estimated at 0.7%-15% of the population. Perimenopausal women are at a higher risk, especially 3 years prior to menopause and 12 years following menopause.