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What is Orofacial Pain?
Orofacial pain is a general term including a large number of clinical problems involving the chewing (masticatory) muscles or temporomandibular joint. Problems may include:
- Temporomandibular joint discomfort
- Muscle spasms in the neck, head, and jaw
- Anxiety or depression
- Migraines, or frequent headaches
- Jaw or face pain
- Dental pain
Approximately one out of eight suffers from headaches. Experts estimate that more than 80 percent of all headaches are caused by muscle tension, which in many cases may be related to your bite.
On average, people swallow approximately 2,000 times per day, which causes the upper and lower teeth to come together, applying pressure against the skull. People with maloposed teeth, unstable bites, and/ or missing teeth, can have trouble because the muscles have to work harder to bring the teeth together, causing strain, and eventually pain. Clenching or grinding the teeth, trauma to the head and neck, or poor ergonomics will also contribute to orofacial pain..
Signs that may indicate a headache is of dental origin may include the following.
- Clicking when moving the jaw or even locking if the jaw is opened or closed.Pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheeks or side of the head
- see bruxism)
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments that can be used to help alleviate orofacial symptoms. Permanent correction may involve recontouring some of your teeth, orthodontics, or a permanent appliance for the mouth. In addition, your dentist may also recommend physical therapy, counseling, and/ or massage therapy.
Other ways to alleviate the pain include
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Use an ice pack on the painful area for 10 minutes, three or four times per day.
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Cut food into smaller pieces.
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Eat softer foods and avoid chewing gum.
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If you can, try sleeping on your back, it will eliminate some of the additional pressure placed on the jaw generated when sleeping on your side.
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Don't rest your hand on your chin. When talking on the phone don't rest the receiver on your shoulder.
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