Advances in genetic and epigenetic studies modified some concepts of health and disease that had been kept intact for decades. In this respect, in the last few years, microorganisms that have evolved with superior life forms for millions of years have taken an increased prominence. The genes of organisms and their microbiota constitute a microbiome that intervenes in health maintenance. The oral cavity is inhabited by a variety of microorganisms, their control aids in stabilizing oral and systemic disease. The objective of this article is to update some concepts related to oral microbiome and its correlation with general and oral health.

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Background and objective. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can be defined as burning pain or dysesthesia on the tongue and/or other sites of the oral mucosa without a causative identifiable lesion. The discomfort is usually of daily recurrence, with a higher incidence among people aged 50 to 60 years, affecting mostly the female gender and diminishing their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between several pathogenic factors and burning mouth syndrome. Patients and methods. 736 medical records of patients diagnosed of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and 132 clinical histories for the control group were studied retrospectively. The protocol included: gender, age, type of oral discomfort and other variables. Results. Analysis of the association between related factors and BMS diagnosis revealed that only 3 factors showed a statistically significant association (p = 0.0001): triggers (emotional factors, dental treatments), parafunctional habits, and oral hygiene. There was no statistically significant association between gender (p = 0.440), substance abuse (p = 0.089), systemic pathology (p = 0.099) and BMS. Conclusions. Parafunctional habits like bruxism and abnormal movements of tongue and lips can explain the BMS main symptomatology. Psychological aspects and systemic factors should be always considered. As a multifactorial disorder, the treatment of BMS should be executed in a holistic way.

Advances in genetic and epigenetic studies modified some concepts of health and disease that had been kept intact for decades. In this respect, in the last few years, microorganisms that have evolved with superior life forms for millions of years have taken an increased prominence. The genes of organisms and their microbiota constitute a microbiome that intervenes in health maintenance. The oral cavity is inhabited by a variety of microorganisms, their control aids in stabilising oral and systemic disease. The objective of this article is to update some concepts related to oral microbiome and its correlation with general and oral health.

No abstract