Created 4/8/202
Updated 15/12/2023
Orofacial pain (OFP) is the discomfort a person may feel, especially in the areas of the mouth, face, head and neck. It is a musculoskeletal pain that affects chewing, neck and even produces orofacial alterations and dystonia. In addition, it is associated with sleep disturbances, such as those caused by bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorders and obstructive sleep apnea .
In this regard, according to the latest data collected by the Spanish Society of Craniomandibular Dysfunction and Orofacial Pain (SEDCYDO), between 22% and 26% of society has suffered, at some point in their lives, an orofacial disorder. In many cases, these are directly associated with bruxism. Therefore, in this article, from our dental clinic in Ibiza, we explain what is the usual classification of this type of discomfort.
Classifications of orofacial pain
Gum pain
This type of discomfort, which is very frequent, is associated with factors such as the presence of periodontal diseases, gingivitis and periodontitis, and stress. In addition, some bad habits, such as smoking and alcohol, can aggravate them.
Dental pain
The most frequent reason for dental pain is the presence of caries. This pathology, in turn, is closely related to poor oral hygiene.
Periodontal pain
This is the appearance, generally as a consequence of infections, of problems such as periodontitis, pulpitis and dental abscesses or phlegmons.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders such as orofacial pain
The temporomandibular joint connects the skull to the jaw and allows all the movements necessary to open and close the mouth. This joint, for example, can suffer dysfunction when the occlusal loads it supports are excessive in cases of bruxism or severe trauma.
Alterations in chewing-related muscles
The masticatory muscles are prepared to support the occlusal loads, but sometimes they can suffer alterations related to rigidity and contraction, trismus, also known as myospasm, or myositis.
If you feel discomfort in any area of your face and/or have any questions regarding orofacial pain, we will be happy to help you. To do so, you can contact us at 93 272 48 30 (Barcelona) / 971 315 374 (Ibiza) or leave us your details in the form on our website.
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This article has been reviewed by Dr. Ferran Novell Costa and Dr. Erjona Demiraj, specialists in Dental Health and Dental Aesthetics treatments. They are responsible for the treatments provided at IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza, as well as for supervising and/or updating the content of this blog post. (7/11/2023). The recommendations described are not generic and do not replace the diagnosis or assessment of a professional in a dental consultation. If you would like us to clarify any aspect, or if you would like a diagnosis and personalised advice, we recommend that you visit our dental clinics.
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