PURPOSE: to identify complaints concerning the oral functions related to the symptom of burning mouth and verify changes in speech articulation. METHOD: 22 individuals age range 44-78 years old diagnosed in the Stomatology Clinic of the State University of Rio de Janeiro. A survey with a specific questionnaire and an audiovisual recording of the subjects' speech using a pre-set list of words were performed. RESULTS: 77% individuals reported specific symptoms of burning sensation and 23% reported symptoms in association with soreness. 86% individuals reported symptoms associated with dry mouth, taste and smell change. 82% individuals reported burning sensation in the tongue as the most impaired area. The intensity of the burning sensation was reported as moderate by 64%. The symptoms were described as constant by 64% individuals. 82% individuals reported using strategies to minimize the symptom of the burning sensation. Regarding the oral functions, 27% complained of fatigue when speaking, 14% of fatigue during mastication, and 9% choking when swallowing. 32% individuals reported increased intensity of the burning sensation when speaking, and 9% during mastication. Speech analysis did not show any alteration in 95% of the sample, and articulation inaccuracy of speech was found in 5% of the individuals evaluated. CONCLUSION: the research revealed oral complaints such as fatigue while speaking or chewing and increased burning sensation while performing those functions, however no changes in speech articulation were found in individuals with Burning Mouth Syndrome.
Burning Mouth Syndrome; Speech; Phonetics
