"Pinpointing the pain source can be a trying task for patients and their health care providers," explains Andres Pinto, DMD, lead report author, who states more females in their 20s and 30s are experiencing this syndrome, oftentimes due to stress. Other overall health conditions linked to BMS include anemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, undiagnosed diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and fungal infections in the mouth.

If you have BMS, analyze your overall health and note any life-altering events or stressors that occur," encourages AGD spokesperson Lois Duerst, DDS, FAGD. According to Dr. Pinto, some patients experience relief after stopping their oral habits brought on by stress.