Orofacial pain is a general term covering any
pain which is felt in the mouth, jaws and the face. Orofacial pain is a common
symptom, and there are many causes. It is estimated that over 95% of cases of orofacial pain result from dental causes (i.e.
toothache caused by
pulpitis or a
dental abscess). After dental pain, the second most common cause of orofacial pain is
temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD, pain-dysfunction syndrome). All other causes of orofacial pain are rare in comparison, although the full
differential diagnosis is extensive.