Evaluation of the Effects of Body Scan Mindfulness Training in Patients With Burning Mouth Syndrome

Objective  To evaluate the clinical efficacy of body scan mindfulness training as an intervention for patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Methods This randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial enrolled patients with BMS who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were assigned to a control group or an intervention group using a random number table. The control group received pharmacological treatment and routine psychological care, while the intervention group additionally received two weeks of body scan mindfulness training. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) were used to assess pain intensity, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and oral health-related quality of life, respectively, at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 3 months after the intervention. The efficacy of body scan mindfulness training for patients with BMS was evaluated by comparing changes in the primary outcome measure (VAS) and secondary outcome measures (ISI, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and OHIP-14) between the two groups before and after the intervention.

Results  A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this study; 3 were lost to follow-up, and 77 patients (38 in the control group and 39 in the intervention group) were included in the analysis. The median changes (P₂₅, P₇₅) in VAS, ISI, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scores after the intervention in the experimental group were 2.00 (1.00, 3.00), 3.00 (0.00, 8.00), 3.00 (1.00, 6.75), and 2.00 (0.00, 5.00), respectively. These were all greater than the corresponding changes in the control group (0.95 0.00, 2.50, 0.000.00, 3.00, 1.00 0.00, 3.25, and 1.00 0.00, 2.00), with statistically significant differences. (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the reduction of OHIP-14 scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both immediately after the intervention and at 3 months post-intervention, the VAS score remained significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  For patients with BMS, implementing body scan mindfulness training alongside conventional drug treatment has proven effective in alleviating the intensity of oral burning pain, improving sleep quality, and reducing anxiety and depression. These findings suggest that body scan mindfulness training is a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with BMS receiving conventional drug treatment, and warrants broader clinical adoption.