Relation between idiopathic glossodynia and salivary flow rate and content.

From a series of 50 patients complaining of sore tongue, 13 were found to be suffering from idiopathic glossodynia. All were women in the postmenopausal stage. The salivary flow rate, protein, phosphate, and electrolyte content (Na, K, Ca, Mg) were measured in unstimulated saliva of these patients. Protein, potassium and phosphate concentrations were significantly higher than in the control group. The results indicate that hormonal disbalance might be a factor in the etiology of this type of sore tongue.