Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, clinical evaluation of A loe vera B arbadensis, applied in combination with a tongue protector to treat burning mouth syndrome

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aloe vera ( AV ) applied in combination with a tongue protector, comparing this with a placebo. Methods A total of 75 patients with burning mouth syndrome ( BMS ) were divided into three groups randomly: G roup I (tongue protector three times a day), G roup II (tongue protector and 0.5 ml AV at 70% three times a day) and G roup III (tongue protector and 0.5 ml placebo three times a day). Symptoms were evaluated by visual analogue scale ( VAS ), while patient psychological profiles were assessed using the H ospital A nxiety‐ D epression scale and their quality of life using the O ral H ealth I mpact P rofile 49 ( OHIP ‐49). Treatment continued for 3 months. Results Visual analogue scale pain values improved for all three study groups but without statistically significant differences between the groups ( P  = 0.210). Regarding quality of life, no significant differences were found between groups with the exception of the OHIP ‐49 score for handicap. The overall clinical improvement was greater for G roup II , with a difference almost reaching significance. Conclusions The concomitant prescription of tongue protector and AV is effective for treating patients with BMS .