Association between local mechanical factors and orofacial pain: survey in the community

Objectives. The aetiology of orofacial pain (OFP) is not well understood. We aimed to determine the relationship between OFP and local mechanical factors in an unselected general population sample. Methods. A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in the United Kingdom, involving 2504 participants (adjusted participation rate 74%). Postal questionnaire was used to collect information on OFP and local mechanical factors. Results. A significant association was found between OFP and a history of tooth grinding, facial trauma, the jaw getting stuck or locked, a clicking or grating sound in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty in opening the mouth wide, and chewing of pens or biting finger nails. The jaw getting stuck or locked had the highest relative risk of 2.7 (95% CI: 2.3–3.2). A history of orthodontic treatment, having any type of dentures and using chewing gum were not associated with OFP. There was some evidence of heterogeneity between types of OFP and local mechanical factors. Conclusions. Local factors play an important role in the aetiology of OFP.