refers to any pain that is felt in the mouth, jaws or face. This common condition affects many adult dental patients and can be a frustrating issue as the source usually varies from person to person. Almost every case of orofacial pain originates in the mouth and is caused by dental issues.
Orofacial pain can occur anywhere above the neck, including the front of the ears, behind the ears, below the eye line and within the oral cavity. Some conditions that cause orofacial pain can extend all the way up to the temples on either side of the head.
There is no one reason why you may be experiencing orofacial pain. In fact, it could be a combination of a few issues that stem from the oral cavity. The following is a list of potential causes of orofacial pain.
This infection of the pulp (the tissue deep inside tooth roots) can cause a radiating pain that starts in the jaw and reaches all the way up to the temples. It may be a sudden, sharp pain or a dull, persistent pain that lasts for days. This pain will usually get worse and worse as the infection spreads. However, once the infection has reached the nerves, the patient may feel no pain at all.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD, is a condition that is characterized by pain in the jaw joint hinges. TMD is often caused by malocclusion, otherwise known as a bad bite. When the teeth do not fit properly together, the mouth muscles and temporomandibular joints have to work extra hard to help the teeth to do their job.
Orofacial pain caused by a dental abscess is usually sharp and can be caused by an event such as biting down on the affected tooth. This pain is often felt in the cheek and behind the ear on the side where the abscess resides.
Even a simple cavity can cause a toothache that translates into orofacial pain. Thankfully, having that cavity diagnosed, cleaned and filled will rid the patient of any pain fairly quickly.
This common condition affects many adults. Gum disease is caused by an infection of the gum tissue, usually from periods of poor oral health. Those with diabetes may experience more frequent gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can devolve into periodontal disease. This destructive infection can irreversibly damage gum tissue and even the jawbone. Periodontal disease can cause pulsating pain that usually originates at the front of the face.
Dental damage and TMJ fatigue from teeth grinding cause many instances of orofacial pain. Adult patients who tend to grind and clench their teeth usually do so unconsciously at night while sleeping. However, one of the symptoms of bruxism is a dull headache at the temples and behind the ears during the day.
No matter the source of the pain, we can help you get to the bottom of what is causing your orofacial pain. Call our office today to set up an appointment if you are experiencing any unpleasant dental or facial symptoms.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilebeautification.com or call Rolando Cibischino D.M.D. at (201) 204-1355 for an appointment in our Hackensack office.
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