What Could be Causing My Facial Pain?

Whether it’s chronic or short-lived, intense or dull, on one half of the face or the other, one thing is always the same for facial pain—people want it to go away. This type of pain can have many different causes, such as injury, infection, or nerve problems, as well as various solutions for making it disappear. To learn more about the types of facial pain you can experience, follow our guide below regarding common causes of facial pain as well as how to identify them.

Dental Abscess

Most people who’ve had a dental abscess speak to the unyielding, unbearable pain that comes with it. Dental abscesses are infections that occur when bacteria reach the tooth’s blood vessel and nerve portion, typically because of severe tooth decay, cracked teeth, or gum disease. Symptoms include persistent, throbbing pain, facial swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, fever, and red gums. Abscesses are serious infections, so patients see their dentists for treatment immediately for pain relief.

Dry Socket

This painful condition happens when blood clots don’t form correctly or become displaced after teeth are removed. Symptoms, not unlike those of a dental abscess, include swelling, intense pain, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. More than likely, an oral surgeon or dental professional will recommend treating the dry socket immediately.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) allow the mouth to open and close, and anything preventing them from working correctly can lead to facial pain. Regularly clenching and grinding teeth as well as a misaligned bite can affect TMJ, with injury, dislocation, and arthritis also being causes behind both TMJ disorders and facial pain. If patients have any popping, clicking, or pain in their joint area, they should see their dentist. Depending on the issue, medications, exercises, or even a mouth guard may be all that’s required to treat the condition.

Headaches

Facial pain brought on by a cluster headache or migraine is known for being intense. These headaches usually occur on one side of the face and head, with the pain often being focused in the eye area though migraines sufferers can also have jaw and tooth pain. While OTC pain relievers can help, it’s best to see a doctor to get the most efficient treatment.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis, also simply called sinus infections, can cause extensive facial pain, such as in the teeth and upper jaw. Other symptoms include pressure and facial swelling around the cheeks and eyes, bad breath, fever, and ear pain. Due to the roots of the upper molar teeth being so near the sinus cavity, sinusitis pain can be easily mistaken for tooth pain. OTC sinus and cold medications can offer relief, but schedule a doctor’s appointment if symptoms persist.

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