Introduction. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition consisting in long burning sensation of the oral mucosa. The pain may be localized in the tongue, lips, cheeks, palate and gums. These symptoms may also be accompanied by sensation disorders (paraesthesia, numbness), abnormal sense of taste, and the subjective feeling of dry mouth. Original form of BMS is not accompanied by any clinical changes in the mucous membrane, and does not indicate a bacterial or fungal infection. Diagnosis is made after exclusion of other diseases. With the coexistence of general (e.g. hematologic deficiency disorders, diabetes) and local (including galvanic currents) factors are recognized form of secondary BMS. Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of burning mouth syndrome in relation to gender and age, and attempt to answer the question whether there is a trend of increasing incidence of this pathology. Material and methods. The study was retrospective. The analysis involved 4669 patients diagnosed with the oral mucosa abnormalities were isolated (3029 women, 1640 men, mean age 48.6), which over a period of 9 years (from 2003 to 2011) volunteered for consultation and treatment to the university specialistic clinic. Results. Burning mouth syndrome BMS diagnosed in 436 cases, representing about 10% of all disorders. Differences in the number and percentage of cases BMS over the period observed were significant. The least of cases were found in 2004. At that time the interest rate for the BMS was the lowest and amounted to 6.3%. The most numerous burning mouth syndrome was diagnosed in 2011 (69 cases), which also accounted for the highest percentage among all observed BMS years (14.5%). Conclusions. There was a significant increase in the incidence of burning mouth syndrome especially in women. Dentists should examine patients in a detailed manner ensuring detection of conditions promoting the development of the burning mouth syndrome.

Key words: burning mouth syndrome, BMS, oral mucosa diseases.