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Orofacial
Pain
What
is orofacial pain?
Orofacial
pain includes a number of clinical problems involving
the chewing (masticatory) muscles or temporomandibular
joint. Problems can include temporomandibular joint
discomfort; muscle spasms in the head, neck and jaw;
migraines, cluster or frequent headaches; pain with
the teeth, face or jaw; or anxiety or depression.
You
swallow approximately 2,000 times per day, which causes
the upper and lower teeth to come together and push
against the skull. People who have an unstable bite,
missing teeth, or poorly aligned teeth can have trouble
because the muscles work harder to bring the teeth together,
causing strain. Pain also can be caused by clenching
or grinding teeth, trauma to the head and neck, or poor
ergonomics.
Some
may experience pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheeks
or side of the head, while others experience clicking
when moving the jaw or even locking if the jaw is opened
or closed.
Temporomandibular
disorders (TMD)
The
National Institutes of Health estimates that more than
10 million Americans have TMD, or problems affecting
the jaw joint and/or muscles. Your temporomandibular
joints are located where the skull connects to your
lower jaw. To feel these joints, place your fingers
in front of both ears and open your mouth. The muscles
on the sides of your head and face control the joints'
movements.
Researchers
believe women between 20 and 40 are most likely to suffer
from TMD because of the added estrogen in their bodies.
Headaches
One
in eight Americans suffers from headaches. Experts estimate
that 80 percent of all headaches are caused by muscle
tension, which may be related to the bite. Headaches
also can be caused by clenching jaw muscles for long
periods of time. Signs that may indicate a headache
from a dental origin include:
- Pain
behind the eyes
- Sore
jaw muscles or "tired" muscles upon awaking
- Teeth
grinding
- Clicking
or popping jaw joints
- Head
and/or scalp is painful to the touch
- Earaches
or ringing
- Neck,
shoulder or back pain
- Dizziness
Sleep
disorders
If
you have gone through treatment and still experience
orofacial pain, you may have a sleep disorder, such
as snoring or sleep apnea. Teeth grinding (Bruxism) or teeth clenching can also occur during sleep.
Snoring
that goes undiagnosed may lead to an increased tendency
for the airway to collapse, leading to sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition when the tissues and muscles
in the back of the throat collapse the airway. This
can cause a person to wake up multiple times in the
middle of he night, sometimes without knowing it.
Are
there any treatments available?
Your
dentist has a variety of treatments that will help alleviate
your orofacial symptoms. One device is called an orthotic,
or splint, that is worn over the teeth until the bite
can be stabilized. Permanent correction may require
reshaping teeth, building crowns, orthodontics, or a
permanent appliance for the mouth. Your dentist might
also recommend physical therapy, counseling, relaxation
training or massage therapy.
Other
ways to alleviate the pain include:
-
Place an ice pack on the painful area for 10 minutes,
three or four times per day.
- Eat
softer foods and avoid chewing gum or ice.
- Cut
food into smaller pieces.
- Keep
upper and lower teeth slightly apart except when chewing
or swallowing. Keeping your tongue between your teeth
may help with this.
- Sleep
on your back.
- Don't
rest your hand on your chin. When talking on the phone
don't rest the receiver on your shoulder.
What
else will my dentist do?
Your
dentist can help. He or she will take a medical and
dental history to determine if any trauma has occurred
in the facial area, perform a physical examination to
examine your temporomandibular joint, and look at head
and neck structures.
Maintaining or correcting your bite ensures optimal
health; and proper care will help reduce or eliminate
orofacial pain or discomfort.
SOURCE:
Academy of General Dentistry
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