Interplay of thyroid dysfunction and burning mouth syndrome: a case report

Abstract Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain condition characterized by a persistent burning sensation in the oral cavity, often without visible clinical signs. The condition disproportionately affects women, particularly during menopausal years, and is associated with a range of systemic conditions, including thyroid dysfunction. This case report explores the complex interplay between thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, and BMS, emphasizing the potential role of thyroid hormone regulation in the pathophysiology of BMS. Through a comprehensive assessment, including clinical examination, laboratory tests, and genetic analysis, we identified key thyroid-related processes and signaling pathways that could influence the development of BMS symptoms. The KEGG pathway and network analyses underscore the importance of thyroid hormone receptors and associated signaling pathways in modulating oral mucosal health, nociceptive processing, and inflammatory responses. These findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of BMS, considering both systemic and local factors, including thyroid function. This case underscores the importance of evaluating thyroid health in patients presenting with BMS symptoms and suggests potential therapeutic targets for optimizing patient care.