Edited by Dr Akira Toyofuku
BioPsychoSocial Medicine
Psychosomatic dentistry is defined as a field of academic study for “Medically Unexplained Oral Symptoms (MUOSs)”. MUOSs are oral symptoms for which the treating dentists and other healthcare providers have found no dental or medical causes. The symptoms are accompanied by physiological and functional changes that originate partially from emotional and psychological factors. Since the oral cavity is sensitive to external stimuli and its environment is related directly to the major human instincts, the oral environment is charged with a high psychological potential. Although patients complaining of MUOSs are not uncommon, clinicians haven’t reached a consensus about proper diagnosis and treatment. In this thematic series in BioPsychoSocial Medicine, we present the latest concepts and findings on MUOSs, and propose possible diagnoses and treatments.
The editor declares no competing interests.