Myofascial pain and toothaches.

Despite improved understanding of orofacial pain in recent years, accurate diagnosis of pain is still challenging in modern dentistry. Many disorders in the head and neck region are known to refer pain to dental structures and imitate dental pain. Due to the location of the perceived pain dental clinicians are often involved in the diagnosis and management of the pain. Myofascial pain (MFP) is widely believed to be the most frequently occurring orofacial pain of non-odontogenic origin. It has long been known that MFP could mimic pulpitic symptoms. Past studies have shown that MFP is a relatively prevalent condition among the general population and the one that is most often misdiagnosed by dentists. Despite its prevalence and the potential for misdiagnosis, there has been little investigation into this old problem, and information about myofascial pain remains fragmented and poorly understood. In this article some of the features associated with myofascial pain will be highlighted. The inter-relationship between myofascial pain and toothaches will also be examined and suggestions made in the areas of diagnosis and management of the condition. It is hoped that dental clinicians will be able to differentiate and manage the conditions effectively when dealing with them in the future.