Facial pain can be a sign of serious illness. Facial pain is a sign of discomfort. There are many causes. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists can help you understand facial pain and the most common causes.
What is the Cause of Facial Pain?
For anyone experiencing discomfort in the forehead, cheeks, and face, facial pain is the unifying term. This is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. It can have many possible underlying causes.
There are many factors that can affect facial pain intensity. These include whether the pain is on one or both sides of the face (also known unilaterally and bilaterally) and how long it lasts.
Some facial pain can be temporary and will resolve on its own, while others could have chronic pain that needs professional treatment.
There are several possible causes for facial pain.
- Oral health problems
- Medical conditions that underlie the condition
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic injury
- Headaches and migraines
It is essential to identify the cause of facial pain in order to get effective treatment. Your pain source will determine the appropriate treatment and medication options. Rancho Cucamonga dentist recommends speaking with your doctor or dentist for an expert diagnosis.
For a complete list of common causes of facial discomfort, please continue reading.
Dental Abscess
A Dental Abscess refers a tooth infection known as the “pulp”. This is caused by bacteria infiltrating your teeth’s sensitive nerves and blood vessels due to tooth decay, gum disease or injury.
A tooth abscessed may present with the following symptoms:
- Throbbing, persistent, and chewing pain
- Sensitivity to tooth or gum
- Red or swollen gums
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Fever
This condition cannot heal by itself. You should immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist if you think you might have a tooth abscess. This condition can be prevented from happening again and they will help you manage it.
Dry Socket
A condition called Dry Socket may be causing pain after having a tooth removed. This is when blood doesn’t properly clot at tooth extraction position, exposing nerves and bones.
Dry socket can be characterized by:
- Radiating or persistent discomfort following a tooth-extraction
- Visible loss of blood clot at the extraction site
- Bad breath or a foul-tasting taste in the mouth
Proper clotting promotes bone growth around the affected area. It is therefore important to treat it to improve your health and manage your pain.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists are available to provide expert guidance and help with pain relief.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).
Your temporomandibular junction (TMJ), is the joint that connects your jaw and skull, and allows it to move. Temporomandibular joints disorders are conditions that may affect the structure’s function.
TMD can be characterized by:
- Pain or discomfort in your jaw area or around it when you speak or chew.
- You have limited mobility in your jaw
- Clicking sounds as you open and close your jaws
- A misaligned bite
- Swelling
- Fatigue
It’s a smart decision to consult your doctor or dentist if you have any of these symptoms. These conditions can be hard to diagnose. It is important to get help to manage your pain and to address the underlying cause.
Headaches and Migraine
Headaches and headaches vary as much between people as facial pain. You can feel the pain in your head, neck, or head. It may be severe or mild. Sometimes, a toothache or an underlying dental problem can cause a headache.
Migraine symptoms may include:
- Pain in your face or head
- Sensitivity and sensations
- Disorientation or dizziness
- Alternate visual perception
- Sweating or chills
- Facial fatigue
- Nausea
The severity of your migraine or headache will determine the appropriate treatment. Drinking water can help prevent migraines. The Cleveland Clinic states that while some over-the counter pain relief medication may be beneficial in certain cases, it may cause migraines in others.
You should consult your dentist if you are experiencing severe pain or recurring problems. This will allow you to access the most effective treatment and prevention options. Your doctor may prescribe medication that is more effective than those available over-the counter or can help prevent headaches or migraines from happening in the first place.
Sinus Infections
Sinusitis (also called sinusitis or swelling of the tissues within your head’s hollows) is a condition that causes swelling. Your sinuses are located near your eyes, cheeks, forehead and nose. It is important to remember that sinus infections can be confusing.
A sinus infection can present as:
- Pain, discomfort, and pressure in the face
- Stuffy, runny nose
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
Sinus infections can be treated with fluids, including water and over-the-counter medicines like decongestants. Your doctor might recommend other treatments depending on the cause and severity.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Your body sends sensations through your nervous system to your mind. Your nervous system is comprised of nerves. One of the most important nerves in your brain is your trigeminal.
Trigeminal neuropathy commonly refers to a dysfunction of this nerve that causes severe pain when the stimulation is given to the face. Generally, this condition is more common among women than those who are over 50.
Trigeminal neurogia symptoms may include:
- Unpredictable, sudden or triggered by sensations.
- Pain usually affects only one side (unilateral).
- Pain in your eyes, cheeks or jaw, cheeks, jaw, lips, gums or eye
- Itching and burning can be accompanied by pain.
- Episodes get worse over time
To receive treatment, you will need to schedule an appointment with your physician. Your doctor may prescribe anticonvulsants and antispasmodics or botox injections to treat this condition.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster).
Shingles (also known herpes Zoster) are a condition that is caused by the varicella virus. It causes chickenpox. A rash could happen if the virus is reactivated if you had chickenpox when you were a child.
Shingles may be characterized by:
- Red rash that is raised or blistered.
- Pain in the forehead, face, or around rash site
- Nerve pain may feel like shooting, burning or tingling pains.
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Fever
If you experience single symptoms, it is important to see your physician or go to a hospital. There they will be able prescribe antivirals as well as pain relievers. People who have never had chickenpox and shingles should be avoided as they could contract it.
These are some concepts to keep in mind
No matter what your cause is for facial pain, you will find the same themes throughout all the conditions we discuss in this article.
- To manage, reduce or prevent facial pain, it is important to accurately diagnose the cause.
- The appropriate treatment for you will depend on your personal health history and the severity or pain.
- It can be difficult for you to diagnose and properly treat facial pain.
- Your medical and dental professionals are well-equipped to treat and manage facial pain. You should schedule an appointment to get their expert opinion for diagnosis, treatment, prevention.
Facial pain can be hard to deal with, but this article has helped you make an important first step. Experts are ready to help you. There are powerful opportunities to improve your long-term happiness, health, and well-being if you suffer from chronic or recurrent facial discomfort.