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Orofacial pain refers to a set of painful conditions affecting the face, mouth, jaws, and associated structures —muscles, joints, nerves, and soft tissues— that do not have a direct dental origin. It is one of the most common forms of chronic pain and has a significant impact on quality of life.
Approximately half of the population has some functional alteration of the masticatory system without knowing it. Jaw pain upon waking, tension in the temples, clicking when opening the mouth, or neck pain that reappears without an apparent cause are symptoms that many patients normalize for years, unaware that there is a specific solution.
At Asensio Dental Clinic, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero (Registration No. 46002287) is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain in Valencia. Diagnosis combines clinical examination, occlusion analysis, and radiological tests. The first visit is completely free of charge.
Causes of Orofacial Pain
The causes of orofacial pain are always related to the three components of the masticatory system: the muscles, the teeth, and the temporomandibular joint. The complexity of this system —in which each component influences the others— explains why orofacial pain can manifest in such diverse ways and why its diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation.
The masticatory muscles are the most frequent cause of orofacial pain. Excessive contraction due to stress, anxiety, bruxism, or poor posture makes them stiff and painful, generating myofascial pain that can radiate to the neck, shoulders, temples, or head. This referred muscular pain is responsible for many tension headaches that do not respond to conventional neurological treatment because their origin is muscular rather than neurological.
The teeth transmit muscular force, and their proper alignment ensures good function. Their absence, malposition, or an inadequate dental restoration —a filling that is too high, or a poorly adjusted crown— can alter the balance of the bite and generate chronic overload on the joint. Deep decay or pulpitis can cause referred pain to distant regions: it is possible for lower tooth decay to cause pain in the cheekbone area or under the eye.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be injured as a result of the aforementioned alterations or by direct impact, systemic disease, or a developmental anomaly. When the TMJ is affected, orofacial pain is combined with clicking, locking, and limitation of jaw movement. For more detailed information on joint pathology, visit our page on TMJ dysfunction in Valencia.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Orofacial Pain
The diagnosis of orofacial pain requires a detailed clinical history, a complete physical examination including palpation of the masticatory and cervical muscles, an analysis of dental occlusion, and necessary imaging tests —panoramic X-ray, CT scan, or MRI depending on the case. In our clinic, we have an intraoral scanner and a digital orthopantomograph that allow us to obtain this information during the first visit.
The goal of treatment is to restore balance between the three components of the masticatory system. The therapeutic plan is designed individually and may include the following options, which are frequently combined to obtain the best result:
| Treatment | Indication | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Night guard (Occlusal splint) | Bruxism and muscular pain | Reduces nocturnal muscle activity and protects the joint |
| Orofacial Physiotherapy | Contractures and movement limitation | Relaxes the muscles and recovers opening range |
| Anti-inflammatory medication | Acute phase of pain | Short-term control of pain and inflammation |
| Botulinum Toxin | Severe muscle hyperactivity | Lasting muscle relaxation with effect for 3-6 months |
| Occlusal adjustment | Dental interferences in the bite | Eliminates the structural triggering factor |
This care is part of our oral medicine in Valencia specialty. If you also have difficulty managing your pain due to special health conditions, consult our page on special needs patients.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orofacial Pain
What is orofacial pain?
It is a set of ailments affecting the face, mouth, jaws, and associated structures —muscles, joints, and nerves— without a direct dental origin. It includes pain of muscular, joint, and nervous origin manifested in the orofacial region, which is often confused with migraines, otitis, or neck pain.
Why does my jaw hurt for no apparent reason?
Jaw pain without an obvious dental cause usually has a muscular or joint origin. Excessive tension in the masticatory muscles due to stress, nocturnal bruxism, or TMJ dysfunction are the most common causes. A complete clinical examination allows us to identify the source and apply the appropriate treatment.
Does bruxism cause orofacial pain?
Yes. Bruxism causes excessive and sustained contraction of the masticatory muscles, which generates tension and pain in the jaw, face, temples, and neck. Over time, it can also damage the temporomandibular joint and wear down tooth enamel. Treatment with an occlusal splint and relaxation techniques is usually very effective.