The effects of intramuscular injections of vitamin B1 and B12 on pain, salivary components and taste in patients with burning mouth syndrome

To determine differences in pain, salivary components and taste between burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients and the normal population and to study the effects of intramuscular injections of vitamin B1 (VitB1) and vitamin B12 (VitB12) on BMS.

Before treatment: We observed and compared differences in unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR); stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR); salivary amylase, cortisol, and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentrations; and taste levels between BMS patients and normal controls. After treatment: The treatment group received an intramuscular injection of 100 mg VitB1 and 0.5 mg VitB12 in the buttocks once per day for 10 days. The above indexes were recorded before and after treatment and compared. A visual analog scale (VAS) score was used to assess the degree of pain relief in patients and as a clinical evaluation index.

Before treatment: SSFR, salivary amylase levels and bitter taste levels of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The concentration of SIgA was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and the USFR and the cortisol concentration were not significant different from the those of the control group (P > 0.05). After treatment: The total effective rate of VitB1 and VitB12 on BMS was up to 70%. USFR was increased significantly after treatment (P < 0.05), and the concentration of SIgA decreased (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the SSFR or the cortisol and salivary amylase concentrations (P > 0.05). Taste levels improved by varying degrees.

The abnormal decreases in SSFR, salivary amylase levels, and taste sensitivity and the abnormal increase in SIgA levels seen in BMS patients may be sensitive salivary indicators for the diagnosis of BMS. A VitB1 and VitB12 intramuscular injection is an effective treatment for patients with BMS, who showed pain relief. Changes in SIgA levels may be used as an indicator during follow-up and for the prognosis of BMS patients.