Burning mouth syndrome is a rare disorder of a complex nature that significantly impairs the life quality of those affected. Its clinical features are characterized by oral burning sensation as well as xerostomia, dysgeusia, and halitosis. While various etiological factors have been proposed over the last few decades, recent studies have focused on understanding its pathophysiology as a neuropathic disorder that involves both peripheral and central neuropathy. In addition, other explanations of BMS pathology have also been proposed, including hormonal disturbances during and after menopause, immunological challenges, and psychological distress. Despite these research efforts, the etiology of BMS remains elusive, awaiting further investigations. The scope of this review includes the current understanding of BMS pathology and animal models developed for deciphering molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of BMS. The overview of recent research efforts and our knowledge of BMS pathology will provide an opportunity to evaluate the status of our understanding of BMS and its future perspective in improving the life quality of those affected by this rather intractable disorder.

• 이지혜(부산대학교 치의학전문대학원 구강병리학교실, 치주질환 신호네트워크 연구센터, 치의생명과학연구소) | Jihye Lee (Department of Oral Pathology, Periodontal Disease Signaling Network Research Center, Dental and Life Science Institute, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author