Common Orofacial Pain Conditions

Orofacial pain refers to a group of conditions that involve pain in the face, jaw, mouth, head, and neck. These conditions can arise from the jaw joints (TMJ), muscles, nerves, or other closely related structures, and they often involve complex interactions between them. Because of this complexity, orofacial pain can be difficult to understand and may not always have an obvious dental or medical cause.

Many people with orofacial pain experience symptoms that affect daily life, such as jaw discomfort, facial pain, headaches, ear symptoms, difficulty chewing, or pain that persists despite previous dental or medical treatment. These symptoms can vary in intensity, may come and go, and can sometimes overlap with other conditions.

This section provides patient-focused information about common orofacial pain conditions, helping you better understand how they may affect function and quality of life, and why specialized evaluation can be important. By learning more about these conditions, you can better describe your symptoms, ask informed questions, and take an active role in your care—an important first step toward appropriate evaluation and management.