Figure 1.

(a–c). Schematic representation of the proposed BMS pathophysiology mechanism (a) and PBM-irradiation of the tongue (main target) where it shows the irradiation of the V3 distributions (b) and proposed mechanism of action of PBM in BMS management (c). In Figure 1c, “A“ represents the analgesic effects of PBMT whereas “B” represents the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of PBMT. Abbreviations: BMS: burning mouth syndrome; IL: Interleukin; TNF-β and α: transforming necrosis factor-beta and alpha; NGF: nerve growth factor; TRPV-1: transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1; ROS: reactive oxygen species; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; MMP-1,2,9: matrix metalloproteinases-1,2,9; PBM: photobiomodulation; nm: nanometre; V3: mandibular branch of the 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve).