Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of burning mouth syndrome and explore the association between BMS and the suggested causative factors in a group of female removable partial denture wearers attending the College of Dentistry King Khalid University. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study that included twenty- nine female patients wearing a removable partial denture for three months or more. Patients who suffered from an extra/ intraoral localized trauma or pathological lesion that could cause a burning sensation were excluded from the study. A questionnaire was formulated in English and was translated into the Arabic language and validated to ensure satisfactory understanding and communication with the patients. Detailed medical and dental history was taken; thorough extra and intraoral clinical examination was performed to evaluate the removable partial denture extension, stability and retention. True burning mouth sensation was then diagnosed. Results: True burning mouth syndrome was reported in (N= 11, 37.9%) of the study participants. The average age of participants was (49.3) years. The lower ridge was the most affected site with (13.8%) of patients reported it as BMS site. Significant statistical associations were established between the prevalence of BMS and `too little salivary flow (P=0.006), Difficulty felt while swallowing (P=0.03), Feeling of Dry Mouth (P =0.03) the presence of Candida infection (P=0.006) and lastly `not Acceptable' RPD Stability (P= 0.03). Conclusion: The prevalence of burning mouth sensation among removable partial denture female wearers was found to be 37.9%, Special care should be provided to the patients' immunity status prior to fabrication of the RPD, as Candidal infection was a statistically significant factor in developing burning mouth sensation afterward.