Oral cenesthopathy: A dilemma to dentists: A review

Abstract

Cenesthopathy is characterized by abnormal sensations at various parts of the body. When it occurs in the oral cavity it is termed as oral cenesthopathy. These patients complain of unusual sensations without corresponding abnormal findings, such as excessive mucus secretion, a slimy sensation, or a feeling of coils or wires being present within the oral cavity. They usually visit multiple dentists rather than psychiatrists and repeatedly pursue unnecessary surgical procedures to remove their 'foreign body' which sometimes creates a dilemma for the dentists. This review focuses on the various aspects of oral cenesthopathy.