Correlation between Dysgeusia and Spleen qi Deficiency Patterns in Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives This study evaluated the correlation between taste function and spleen qi deficiency in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and compared subgroups of BMS (i.e., dysgeusia and non-dysgeusia subgroups). Methods This study included 60 participants categorized into two groups: a BMS group and healthy control (HC) group. Taste threshold was measured within six levels using solutions of four basic taste qualities. Subjects’ Oral Health Impact Profiles (OHIPs-14) and Spleen qi Deficiency Questionnaire (SQDQ) scores were analyzed. Results Taste thresholds for sweet (sucrose) and salty (NaCl) tastes were significantly lower in the BMS group than in the HC group, but sour (citric acid) and bitter (quinine HCl) tastes showed no significant differences between groups. In the dysgeusia and non-dysgeusia subgroups, no significant differences in the four basic taste thresholds were found. SQDQ scores were significantly higher in the BMS group compared to the HC and in the dysgeusia group compared to the non-dysgeusia group. OHIPs-14 and SQDQ scores for the BMS group were significantly and positively correlated. Conclusions Spleen qi deficiency is related to taste function and can be used to treat BMS patients with taste dysfunction. Keywords: burning mouth syndrome, dysgeusia, taste disorder, taste threshold, spleen qi deficiency