David I realise that your post is years old but in Australia we have found Alpha Lipoic Acid helps - 600 mg twice a day with food. In my case it was caused by side effects of the prostate drug Duo Dart. Sadly the half life of this is 5 months so absolutely nothing happens for months after you stop taking it.
I agree with you the diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome.Quote: The etiology of burning mouth syndromeis varied and often difficult to decipher clinically.The symptoms of pain and burning appear to be the result of one of many causes. Factors cited as having possible etiologic significance include:
1. Microorganisms--- especially fungi (C. albicans ) and possibly bacteria ( staphylococci, streprococci, anaerobes )
2. Xerostomia associated with Sjogren's syndrome, anxiety, and drugs.Drug classes associated with Xerostomia: Anticholinergics, Antidepressants, Antihistamines, Antihypertensives, Antihypoglycemics,Antiparkisonians, Beta-blockers, Diuretics, Nsaid.
3. Nutritional deficiencies associated primarily with B vitamin complex or iron, and possibly Zinc
4.Anemias, namely pernicious anemia and iron deficiency anemia
5.Hormone imblance, especially hypoestrogenemia associated with postmenopausal changes
6.Neurologic abnormalities,such as depression, cancerphobia, and other psychogenic problems.
7.DM
8.Mechanical trauma, such as an oral habits or chronic denture irritation
9. Idiopathic causes
Oral pathology, clinical pathologic correlations, written by Regezi and Sciubba, saunders, 3rd edition,page 139