Mineral and trace element analysis of saliva from patients with BMS: a cross-sectional prospective controlled clinical study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate salivary markers related to burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Study design: A cross-sectional prospective controlled clinical study of 58 patients (28 BMS and 30 control). The presence of mineral and trace metals in unstimulated whole saliva was analyzed in BMS patients and in control subjects by means of ICP-OES. The parameters analyzed were as follows: oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) and the Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD) scale. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure the intensity of burning sensation (pain).

Results: The mean pain value for patients with BMS was 7.8 ± 2.4. OHIP-14 oral health-related quality of life among BMS patients was found to be affected: total BMS OHIP-14 (16.98 ± 12.29) vs. control (8.53 ± 10.5) with significant difference (P = 0.015). Concentrations of the different elements were slightly higher among BMS patients but without statistically significant differences for any of the elements analyzed (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, P, S, Al, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, As, Be, Bi, Co, Li, Mo, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, Tl, V).

Conclusions: This study failed to identify abnormal levels of minerals or trace elements in saliva of patients with BMS.

Keywords: OHIP; burning mouth syndrome; metals; saliva.