Facial pain is any ache or discomfort experienced in the face or head and is typically categorized into four subtypes, which include:
- Dental pain (problems with the teeth and gums)
- Nerve pain (problems with the facial nerves)
- TMJ pain (temporomandibular joint or associated musculature issues)
- Vascular pain (problems with the blood vessels and blood flow)
Listed below are several common causes of facial pain.
Headaches
A headache is a pain or soreness associated with any part of the face, head and even neck. Several headaches may cause facial pain, including ice pick headaches, cluster headaches, and migraine headaches.
Injuries
Past or present trauma can cause facial pain if the injury leads to damage to the facial nerves. Facial injuries can occur from cuts, lacerations and blows. Symptoms of facial nerve injuries include tingling, numbness and even localized paralysis.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ for short) is the joint that connects the upper and lower jaws, creating movement. A disorder with the joint occurs when there is any pain or decrease in motion. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain, jaw stiffness, clicking or a locking jaw, or decreased mobility of the joint. Some treatment options include pain medication, a nightguard to reduce/prevent clenching and jaw exercises.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
This disorder causes chronic pain affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is located in the face. This disorder usually only affects one side of the face and can occur in the scalp, forehead, lips, cheeks or jaw. Chewing, tooth brushing or even touching the face can trigger the pain. The cause of this disorder is compression or pressure on the nerve caused by nerve damage. Treatment options include pain medications or surgery.
Dental Abscess
When bacteria enter the nerve or blood supply of a tooth, a dental abscess will occur. Large cavities, old dental fillings and tooth trauma can all cause a dental abscess. Symptoms include pain, fever, swelling and a bad taste in the mouth. Treatment for a dental abscess depends on the cause and mean taking antibiotics, a root canal treatment or extraction.
Sinusitis
This occurs when there is inflammation of the sinuses, which are small cavities in the face behind the nose, cheeks and forehead. Sinusitis can be caused by a head cold or allergies, which lead to congestion and pressure in the sinuses. Sinusitis often clears up on its own with time.
Sialadenitis
Sialadenitis is a condition in which the oral salivary glands become infected. This condition typically affects the glands in the floor of the mouth or the large gland in the cheek. Symptoms include pain, fever, pus and swelling. Treatment is typically a round of antibiotics and drinking plenty of water to promote salivary flow.
It is essential to see a doctor or dentist if you have facial pain that is persisting or is accompanied by fever, swelling or tiredness. If you have any questions about the cause of facial pain, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.