Exploring Masticatory and Occlusal Factors in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent oral burning in the absence of visible mucosal lesions. Although its etiology is multifactorial and not fully understood, recent evidence suggests that alterations in masticatory function and occlusal patterns may contribute to symptom development and persistence. The aim of this review is to explore the association between BMS and alterations in masticatory and occlusal function and perception. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search covered studies published between January 1988 and February 2026. Inclusion criteria included studies in English addressing the relationship between BMS and masticatory or occlusal function and perception. Search strategy included both primary and review studies, and excluded congress abstracts and proceedings, commentaries, letters, theses/dissertations, editorials, animal and preclinical studies. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were grouped into three categories: occlusal perception and sensory alterations (n = 4), dysfunctional oral habits (n = 6), and prosthetic factors (n = 3). Findings, presented descriptively, suggest that BMS patients may exhibit altered occlusal and sensory perception, increased sensitivity to mechanical or thermal stimuli, and possible central pain dysregulation. Dysfunctional or parafunctional habits may also be associated with symptom persistence. Additionally, prosthetic factors were reported in some studies to be linked with oral discomfort, with symptom improvement following corrective interventions in selected cases. Conclusions: BMS appears to be a complex and multifactorial condition. Altered sensory perception, parafunctional habits, and prosthetic factors may contribute to symptom expression. However, the available evidence is heterogeneous and limited; therefore, further well-designed longitudinal and interventional studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.