Pain Research & Management

Orofacial pain is a general term covering any pain which is felt in the mouth, jaws and the face. Orofacial pain is a common symptom, and there are many causes. Orofacial pain has been defined as "pain localized to the region above the neck, in front of the ears and below the orbitomeatal line, as well as pain within the oral cavity, pain of dental origin and temporomandibular disorders". It is estimated that over 95% of cases of orofacial pain result from dental causes (i.e. Toothache caused by pulpitis or a dental abscess). However, some orofacial pain conditions may involve areas outside this region, e.g. temporal pain in TMD. Toothache, or odontalgia, is any pain perceived in the teeth or their supporting structures (i.e. the periodontium). Toothache is therefore a type of orofacial pain. Craniofacial pain is an overlapping topic which includes pain perceived in the head, face, and related structures, sometimes including neck pain. All other causes of orofacial pain are rare in comparison, although the full differential diagnosis is extensive.