July 2026 Feature Article 2 — Burning Mouth Syndrome in Dental Settings: Clinical Clues, Diagnostic Approaches, and Management with Topical Doxepin and Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Authors

• Elizabeth R. Hatfield, DDSFollow
• Elizabeth A. Van Tubergen, DDS, PhDFollow
• Felipe Nör DDS, MS, PhD, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow

Abstract

This clinical case report explores Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), a chronic pain condition predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. Describing BMS as a diagnosis of exclusion with often idiopathic origins, the authors present a case study of a 54-year-old female patient. They review the challenges of traditional management and detail a novel, effective treatment using a combination of topical doxepin oral rinse and oral alpha-lipoic acid. The article provides dentists with practical strategies for recognition and diagnostic procedures, emphasizing their role as the first line of care for improving the quality of life for BMS sufferers.

Recommended Citation

Hatfield, DDS, Elizabeth R.; Van Tubergen, DDS, PhD, Elizabeth A.; and Nör, Felipe DDS, MS, PhD (2026) "July 2026 Feature Article 2 — Burning Mouth Syndrome in Dental Settings: Clinical Clues, Diagnostic Approaches, and Management with Topical Doxepin and Alpha-Lipoic Acid," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 108: No. 7, Article 9.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol108/iss7/9