Oral discomfort: Origin, remedies, and techniques for alleviation
Persistent mouth pain can be a distressing experience, often causing discomfort during everyday activities like eating, speaking, and even sleeping. The causes of this pain can vary greatly, ranging from dental issues to neurological conditions, and understanding these causes is essential for effective treatment.
Common Causes of Persistent Mouth Pain
Dental Causes
Dental problems are a common source of persistent mouth pain. Cavities can cause pain as they reach the dentin and pulp nerves. Cracked or broken teeth can lead to sharp pain during chewing. Gum disease can expose sensitive tooth roots, causing discomfort. A dental abscess can result in throbbing pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth.
Non-Dental Causes
Several non-dental conditions can also cause persistent mouth pain. Sinus infections can create pressure on upper tooth roots, mimicking tooth pain with associated nasal congestion and headaches. TMJ disorders can cause pain that radiates to teeth, often with jaw clicking or difficulty opening the mouth. Neuropathic pain (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia) can cause severe, shock-like facial pain mimicking tooth pain. Myofascial pain syndrome can cause muscle trigger points in the face or neck to refer pain to the teeth. Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) can cause burning or tingling mouth sensations without obvious lesions.
Psychogenic Factors
Stress or anxiety can exacerbate or even cause persistent oral pain.
Symptoms of Persistent Mouth Pain
Symptoms of persistent mouth pain can include persistent or recurrent tooth or mouth pain that may be dull, aching, sharp, burning, or shock-like. Accompanying symptoms vary by cause: jaw clicking (TMJ), sinus congestion, facial muscle tenderness, burning or scalding sensation (BMS), or electric shock pain (trigeminal neuralgia). Infections may cause swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth.
Treatments for Persistent Mouth Pain
Treatment for persistent mouth pain depends on the underlying cause. Dental issues may require fillings, root canals, periodontal therapy, or abscess drainage. Sinus infections may require decongestants, antibiotics, or nasal corticosteroids. TMJ disorders may require mouth guards for grinding, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or specialized interventions. Neuropathic pain may require medications like anticonvulsants or tricyclic antidepressants, or nerve block injections. Burning Mouth Syndrome may require symptom management with hydration, avoiding irritants, changing oral care products, and treating any underlying causes or nutritional deficiencies. Psychological factors may require stress management, counseling, or behavioral therapy.
Given the complex nature of persistent mouth pain and the possibility of various underlying causes that sometimes mimic each other, a thorough medical and dental evaluation is essential to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Mouth pain: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/mouth-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050801
[2] American Dental Association. (2021). Temporomandibular disorders (TMD). [online] Available at: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/know-your-teeth/conditions-that-affect-your-teeth-and-mouth/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd
[3] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2021). Burning mouth syndrome. [online] Available at: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/burning-mouth-syndrome
[4] American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. (2021). Oral cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.aaomfp.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/oral-cancer
[5] American Dental Association. (2021). Oral thrush. [online] Available at: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/know-your-teeth/conditions-that-affect-your-teeth-and-mouth/oral-thrush
- Non-dental conditions like TMJ disorders or neuropathic pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia, can cause mouth pain that may radiate to the teeth.
- Gum disease can expose sensitive tooth roots, leading to discomfort during daily activities like eating or speaking, which is one of the dental causes of persistent mouth pain.
- Oral health is vital, and conditions like oral cancers, gum disease, or cavities can impact oral health and cause persistent mouth pain; effective treatments are available for these dental issues, such as fillings, root canals, or periodontal therapy.
