4 Tips for Dealing with Orofacial Pain

The phrase "orofacial pain disorders" refers to signs of discomfort and dysfunction in the head and neck area. Orofacial pain includes discomfort in the joints, muscles, or nerves in the head, neck, face, mouth, gums, or teeth. In addition, some persons report discomfort in their ears, eyes, sinuses, cheeks, or side of the head, while others have dystonia (involuntary muscle spasms), jaw clicking, or locking.

4 Tips for managing orofacial pain

Persistent neuropathic (nerve) pain, which can start after surgery, dental procedure, or face surgery, is one of the most prevalent causes of orofacial pain. In addition, teeth clenching or grinding, head and neck injuries, poor sitting posture, an underlying medical condition (like multiple sclerosis), cancer, or infection are all possible causes. Tips for managing orofacial pain include:

1. Simple lifestyle adjustments

Patients need to check their lifestyles and determine which habits may be contributing to the symptoms. Aside from consuming hard foods, yawning, chewing gum, sleeping on your stomach, tension (jaw clenching), habits like fingernail or pencil chewing can all aggravate orofacial pain. Pay attention to these habits and try to avoid them as much as possible, or discover alternatives.

For instance, neck and shoulder strain caused by bad posture when using laptops at work or sitting in front of the television at home is prevalent, resulting in muscular soreness and, in some cases, headaches. However, patients can try to adjust their posture to manage the pain.

Another lifestyle adjustment is to destress. This is usually not easy to do, yet stress is a well-known contributor to the escalation of chronic pain. Consult a dentist about stress-relieving activities and assistance such as stress management, various sport and exercise classes.

2. Ice application

Icing an irritated joint, whether it be the ankle, knee, or another joint, is a frequent technique among athletes. The same principle applies to a person who suffers from orofacial pain. One might experience remarkable relief by applying an ice pack to the afflicted region. This can be done daily, but avoid putting ice directly on the skin. Instead, apply an icepack wrapped in a soft towel to the affected region for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

3. Stick to soft foods

People who have suffered major jaw injuries may be forced to eat using a straw. While eating softer food may not be as enjoyable as eating chewier foods, it makes it simpler to cope with discomfort. In cases where is no major jaw issue, consume soups and other meals that do not need a lot of chewing instead of tough meat, bread, or chewing gum. It will be a modest price to pay for some relief.

4. Maintain good oral hygiene

Patients need to have regular dental checkups and use fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Limit acidic, processed carbohydrate, or sugar-containing meals, especially outside meal times. This will lower the risk of developing cavities. Even if it feels uncomfortable, slacking on oral care will only worsen orofacial pain.

In conclusion

It is critical to understand the underlying cause of your orofacial pain to determine what measures to take for therapy and relief. Therefore, it is essential to get a professional diagnosis from a dentist so you may better manage and reduce your orofacial pain.

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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