Current conceptual overview of oral cenesthopathy

key points：<br> ・“Oral cenesthopathy” is a various and fluctuating sensation of a foreign body or discomfort in the oral area.<br> ・Although the complaints are bizarre, “oral cenesthopathy” was originally considered to be the alterations of the common or internal sensibility, not a hallucination or delusion.<br> ・Although the condition is described as indefinable sensation in the oral area, patients often aware of the morbid nature of their illnesses and spontaneously link their origins to disturbances in their nervous system.<br> ・Patients are far more likely to visit a physician such as a dentist or otorhinolaryngologist than a psychiatrist, hoping for the possibility of a cure or improvement.<br> ・There are many symptoms that overlap with burning mouth syndrome, and clear classification is often difficult.<br> ・Many cases are intractable, and the effectiveness of any therapy is less than 50%.<br> ・The fundamental attitude of dentists is to listen to the patient’s complaints. We should not deny the uncomfortable sensation easily. However, we also should not agree with it easily.<br> ・An attitude of exploring the origin of the disease together with the patient is considered important.<br> ・If abnormal sensations spread throughout the body or if psychiatric symptoms are severe, dentists should consult a psychiatrist.<br> ・Particularly in the elderly, hidden primary diseases may become apparent later, so it is important that periodically check for cognitive function, mental status and review organic diseases, including oral cancer.