Orofacial pain is a discomfort that involves the unpleasant sensation in the muscles, joints, or bones in the mouth and face. Symptoms of this pain include pain in or around the eyes, discomfort in the depth of the jaw, locking or clicking of your jaw, and headache when you eat, speak, or swallow.
You can have one, some, or all of these symptoms, and they can be a cause of concern. You may want to visit a dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes orofacial pain?
There can be various reasons for you to have orofacial pain. Some of these reasons are the following.
- Migraine
- Muscle spasms in the jaw, head, or neck area
- Surgery complications
- Uneven bite
- Missing teeth
- TMJ disorder
- Tooth decay or gum disease
- Bruxism (also known as grinding of teeth)
- Injury to the face or jaw
Dental conditions
Your dentist will determine the cause of dental pain based on the type and severity of the discomfort you experience. For instance, your dentist will suggest that you have tooth sensitivity if you feel pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. It usually occurs due to tooth decay or gum recession, which is a condition that can expose the unprotected part of your tooth. If you feel pain when you bite down on anything, you may have a cracked tooth or loose filling. According to the National Health Service, the severe tooth pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, or ear is a sign of tooth abscess. If you have a tooth abscess, you may be able to control the resultant pain by taking over-the-counter medicines. But, it is not a permanent solution. Make sure to have an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
The joints and muscles that connect your lower jaw to the upper skull make a complex structure. Any malfunction in that area can cause severe pain and loss of jaw functionality. These joints are known as Temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and any problem with these joints is known as Temporomandibular joints, also known as TMD. This disorder may cause jaw pain, dental pain, earache, facial pain, and a sensation of swelling around the joint. Your dentist may run some physical tests and follow other diagnostic measures to determine the exact cause of the problem.
How to manage orofacial pain at home
Measures that you can take at home to manage orofacial pain will only address symptoms. You are going to have to contact your dentist for an immediate appointment to find permanent relief from the problem. At home, you can take over-the-counter medication to control symptoms until you reach the dental office.
Your dentist may also suggest some actions to control symptoms at home. For instance, he or she may recommend you to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste for sensitive teeth to control hypersensitivity pain. If you are suffering from TMD, you may want to eat soft foods, reduce jaw motions, and apply ice to alleviate pain.
You will need to stay in touch with your dentist to discuss your condition. The dentist will guide you through the period until the day of the appointment comes.
