Dealing with Facial Pain
(HealthDayNews) -- More than 15 percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain, according to the American Dental Association.
Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, jaw tenderness, clicking or popping noises when the mouth opens, and even headaches and neck aches.
These symptoms don't all have a common cause, however. A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with an exam and X-rays. Often, it's a sinus problem, toothache or early-stage periodontal disease.
Other less-obvious causes are linked to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear.
Treatments for facial pain can include stress-reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding.
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