Orofacial Pain Free Yourself from Pain. Reclaim Your Quality of Life.

Orofacial pain encompasses painful conditions affecting the face, jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and associated structures. It includes temporomandibular disorders (TMD), bruxism, dental-origin headaches, and facial pain from various causes. It affects approximately 15% of the adult population.

TMD refers to a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. It is the most common cause of non-dental orofacial pain and can significantly affect quality of life, making activities like eating, speaking, or yawning difficult.

The most common symptoms include: jaw or facial pain, pain when chewing, clicking or crackling when opening the mouth, difficulty or limitation when opening the mouth, headaches (especially in the morning), earache, tinnitus, and a feeling of a locked jaw. Many patients also suffer from bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth).

Bruxism is the involuntary habit of grinding or clenching teeth, which can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism). It is often associated with stress and can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and damage to the temporomandibular joint if left untreated.

The causes are multifactorial and include: emotional stress (one of the main causes), parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding teeth, poor posture, jaw trauma, dental malocclusion, TMJ arthritis, and genetic factors. Stress is particularly important as it increases muscle tension and can trigger or worsen symptoms.

The diagnosis is based on a complete clinical evaluation that includes: detailed medical history, physical examination of the jaw and facial muscles, range of motion assessment, dental occlusion analysis, and when necessary, imaging exams such as X-rays or CT scans. We use internationally validated diagnostic criteria to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Treatment is personalized and usually conservative, which may include: occlusal splints (bite plates), specialized physiotherapy, medication when necessary (anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants), relaxation techniques and stress management, jaw exercises, and behavioral modifications. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures the best results.

An occlusal splint is a custom-made removable device that fits over the teeth. It works as a protective barrier that: distributes bite forces evenly, protects teeth from wear caused by bruxism, relaxes jaw muscles, and can help reposition the jaw to a more comfortable position.

The good news is that up to 40% of patients improve without intervention, and most respond very well to conservative treatment. Many patients become symptom-free within weeks to months. Some cases may require ongoing or periodic treatment, especially when related to stress or habits that are difficult to modify.

There are several effective self-care strategies: apply heat or ice to the affected area, eat a soft diet avoiding hard foods or chewing gum, practice jaw relaxation exercises, maintain good posture (especially when using a computer), avoid opening the mouth excessively, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and maintain good sleep habits.

You should seek help if: the pain has persisted for more than a week, you have difficulty opening or closing your mouth, your jaw gets locked, you feel intense or worsening pain, you notice significant tooth wear, headaches are frequent, or symptoms affect your quality of life. The sooner you start treatment, the better the results.

Yes, stress is one of the main causes of orofacial pain. When we are under stress, we tend to clench our teeth (often without realizing it), which increases tension in the jaw muscles. Stress management is a fundamental part of treatment. Techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help significantly.