Oral and facial pain disorders

Oral and facial pain disorders

Oral and facial pain disorders include a range of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, and face, often presenting with symptoms that include sharp or throbbing pain, aching, swelling, and sensitivity in areas such as the gums, teeth, jaw, or face. Conditions including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, dental problems (such as decay, abscesses and dental ligament strain), sinusitis, neuralgias, nerve pain, or myofascial pain. Factors contributing to oral and facial pain can include infections, trauma, dental infections, periodontal ligament pain, nerve compression, nerve damage, and overly tight muscle tension due to stress or poor posture. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause through pain management strategies such as medications (analgesics, muscle relaxants, neuropathic, and anti-inflammatory drugs), physical therapy, intraoral stabilization splints, cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce causes, and preventive self-care, and in some instances, surgical options. A thorough evaluation by orofacial pain specialist and other healthcare professionals is crucial for effective diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to alleviate pain and restore quality of life.