Facial Pain

7 Common Causes of Facial Pain

Facial tenderness is often considered synonymous with facial pain. However, it can more accurately be described as a pain that occurs when pressure is put on a certain area of the face. You have facial tenderness if you touch a certain part of your face and wince as a result of its soreness.

1. Headache

A headache can produce facial tenderness, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that many people like to press on their temples when they have a headache or try to rub the area of the pain because it lessens the sensation. Over-the-counter painkillers, rest, and stress-busting techniques such as exercising or taking a hot bath can also help. Sometimes, however, headaches can be severe or happen frequently — if this is the case, they require medical help, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. Injury to the face or mouth

An injury to the face can also lead to facial soreness, pain, or tenderness. If you were hit with a ball while playing sports, for example, or if you fell on your face, you might have simply bruised the area. However, major swelling and/or difficulty moving the area can be a sign that your injury is more severe and could require a doctor’s visit.

3. Tooth-related problems like TMJ disorder

Face pain can also originate from a toothache, Ulcers, canker sores, or an infection occurring in the mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you notice that they experience more tenderness or pain when they eat, brush their teeth, or do other things requiring interaction with the teeth you should seek help from a dentist.

TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint of the jaw and can cause locking or clicking in the jaw, as well as headaches and face pain. This pain can get worse when eating, according to the Mayo Clinic. They also note that TMJ disorder can sometimes be fixed with dental or orthodontic treatments.

4. Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that this condition is characterized by sudden, severe, and sharp facial pain, often triggered by simple everyday activities such as eating, speaking, or even light touch. The intense pain episodes can be debilitating and significantly impact your quality of life. Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia may include medication, nerve blocks, or in severe cases, surgery to relieve the pressure on the affected nerve.

5. Dental abscess

A dental abscess can cause facial pain due to the accumulation of pus and inflammation resulting from a bacterial infection in the tooth or gums, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that as the infection progresses, the abscess can exert pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves, leading to localized swelling and intense pain in the affected area. The proximity of the dental abscess to the facial structures can result in radiating pain that spreads to the jaw, ear, and even the neck. If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to severe and persistent facial pain, as well as potentially serious complications, according to the Mayo Clinic.

6. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus cavities that can cause facial pain due to the build-up of pressure and inflammation in the sinus passages, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is more commonly known as a sinus infection. They explain that when the sinuses become blocked or infected, the resulting congestion and swelling can lead to pain and discomfort in the facial region, particularly around the cheeks, forehead, and eyes.

The pressure from the inflamed sinuses can cause a dull, aching sensation or sharp, localized pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, sinusitis can also lead to referred pain, where the discomfort is felt in other areas of the face, such as the teeth or jaw.

7. Sialadenitis

Sialadenitis, an inflammation of the salivary glands, can cause face pain and cheek pain due to the swelling and tenderness of the affected gland, according to the Mayo Clinic. They explain that this condition often leads to discomfort and pain in the cheeks and jaw, particularly during meal times when the salivary glands are stimulated to produce saliva.

The pain may worsen when eating or drinking, and the affected area may feel tender to the touch, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, the pain can also be accompanied by fever and difficulty opening the mouth.

When Should You Call a Doctor?

According to Medical News Today, you should call a doctor for face pain if you experience symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Redness or flushing of the face

• Severe facial or dental pain

• Swelling of the face

• Unexplained fatigue

• Facial numbness

These symptoms may indicate underlying conditions such as infection, inflammation, or other medical concerns that require prompt evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional, according to Medical News Today. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention is important to determine the cause of the facial pain and to receive appropriate care is important.

How Is Facial Pain Diagnosed?

Face pain can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, according to Medical News Today. They note that during the medical history assessment, the doctor will inquire about the nature and location of the pain, its triggers, accompanying symptoms, and any relevant medical history.

Additionally, a comprehensive physical examination may involve assessing the facial structures, evaluating the range of motion of the jaw, and palpating for areas of tenderness or swelling may be done. Medical News Today also notes that diagnostic tests such as imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI) may be used to identify underlying causes such as dental issues, sinus problems, nerve compression, or other structural abnormalities. In some cases, referral to specialists such as dentists, neurologists, or otolaryngologists may be necessary for further evaluation and specialized diagnostic procedures.

Facial Pain May Also Be Known as

• Facial tenderness
• Facial discomfort
• Facial soreness