Oral Pain

  • Oral pain is common
    • Almost ¼ adults report oral pain in the past year
    • Pain may be vague and poorly localized
  • Communicating pain is often difficult for those with disabilities and non-verbal adults:
    • May be agitated, refuse to eat, pull at the face
    • May see cheek or gum swelling, broken, decayed or loose teeth, ulcers, abscesses or fistula on exam
  • Consider abuse with visible trauma
Jaimie Duplass/Photos.com
Jaimie Duplass/Photos.com

References

American Dental Association Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. Women's Oral Health Issues. 2006. Accessed 9/20/2021.

Stern I, Greenberg MS. Clinical Assessment of Patients with Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders. Dental Clinics of North America. 2013. 57(3): 393-404.