Orofacial pain is a category of pain that involves pain in the face, jaw, and mouth, as well as structures both within and around these areas. Such pain can be caused by several underlying conditions and hinder basic daily functions such as eating, speaking and even sleeping. Orofacial pain is intricate and challenging to identify without thorough assessment as it is commonly tied to dental, muscular, joint, or nerve-related problems.
One of the leading types of orofacial pain disorder — temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD — affects the joints connecting the jaw to the skull. Other potential causes may be dental infections; trauma to the face or jaw; neurological issues, like trigeminal neuralgia; sinus problems; and bruxism, or grinding or clenching one’s teeth, typically occurring during sleep or while asleep without being aware of it. In other instances, orofacial pain may be due to systemic health issues, such as arthritis or chronic stress.
Orofacial pain can include a range of symptoms which can vary greatly depending on the severity of the pain. Some have a dull, chronic ache in the jaw or cheek area, others sharp, shooting pain, an inability to move the jaw, tenderness in the face, headaches, or clicking and popping sounds on opening or closing the mouth. The challenges of these symptoms, to include the significance thereof, can be transitory, or chronic.
A dentist or medical professional typically begins the evaluation of orofacial pain with a thorough health history and clinical examination. If the results indicate an issue, you may need diagnostic imaging or to be referred to other specialists to find the root cause of the discomfort.
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment can differ quite a bit. For the chronic pain of muscles or joints, non-invasive treatments, including jaw exercises, stress management, and custom oral appliances (nightguards), can work wonders. If the root cause is nerve-related, medication or more advanced therapy may be necessary. Sometimes, dental interventions are needed to treat infections or structural problems
If there is a problem with the jaw or mouth, it may worsen and lead to even more symptoms. Timely diagnosis and treatment often result in better outcomes, less pain, and a return to normal activities of daily living. Anyone with ongoing pain in the face or jaw should be getting a professional evaluation to identify the cause and start the appropriate treatment.
