Systemic Orofacial Pain
Persistent Facial Pain Without a Clear Cause?
It Could Be Systemic.
Orofacial pain isn't always limited to the jaw or muscles. Systemic health issues, like autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, or hormone imbalances, can manifest as unexplained facial discomfort, burning, or tightness. Identifying the root cause is key to lasting relief.
Learn About Systemic Orofacial Pain
What Are Systemic Orofacial Pain Disorders
Systemic orofacial pain disorders refer to facial, jaw, or oral discomfort that originates from a broader medical or systemic condition—often affecting the immune, neurologic, hormonal, or musculoskeletal systems. These conditions can mimic TMJ or dental pain, leading to misdiagnosis or unnecessary dental treatment.
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we specialize in identifying these systemic contributors and designing targeted care plans that go beyond local symptom relief.
Can Systemic Issues Cause Burning Sensation?
Systemic illnesses may affect nerves, muscles, or joints that play a role in facial and oral function. Inflammatory, autoimmune, or endocrine imbalances can alter pain thresholds or damage sensory pathways, resulting in facial hypersensitivity, jaw pain, or burning mouth symptoms.
This is especially common in patients with multiple chronic conditions or medically complex histories.
What Systemic Conditions may cause Orofacial Pain?
Examples include:
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Fibromyalgia: Causes widespread muscle pain, including the jaw and face
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Autoimmune Diseases: Such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect TMJs, salivary glands, and nerves
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Hormonal Changes: Menopause and thyroid disorders can trigger Burning Mouth Syndrome
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Neurologic Conditions: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and others may present with neuralgias or sensory changes
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Long COVID or Post-Viral/ Bacterial Syndromes: Can result in persistent facial pain, tightness, or altered sensation (Eg. Lyme's Disease, EBV)
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Nutritional Deficiencies: Especially B-vitamins, zinc, and iron—linked to neuropathic pain and altered taste
Systemic Orofacial Pain vs TMJ vs Nerve Pain
Unlike localized TMJ or neuropathic conditions, systemic orofacial pain tends to:
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Be more diffuse or migratory
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Coexist with fatigue, joint pain, or other body-wide symptoms
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Fluctuate in intensity without clear triggers
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Be resistant to conventional dental or TMJ treatments
This pattern often requires a broader medical lens to diagnose and treat effectively.
Why Is Systemic Orofacial Pain Often Misdiagnosed?
Many patients with systemic pain present first to a dentist or ENT due to facial pain, burning, or jaw tension. Because symptoms often mimic dental infections, sinus issues, or TMJ disorders, they are frequently misattributed, leading to unnecessary procedures or prolonged suffering.
At our Seattle-based clinic, we recognize red flags and dig deeper to avoid misdiagnosis.
How Is Systemic Orofacial Pain Diagnosed?
Our diagnostic process includes:
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Detailed history of symptoms, medications, and systemic health
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Orofacial and cranial nerve exam
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Review of labs, imaging, and past medical diagnoses
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Collaboration with your PCP, rheumatologist, neurologist, or endocrinologist
We use a multidisciplinary lens to arrive at a comprehensive diagnosis.
What are Treatments for Systemic Facial Pain?
Treatment often involves a combination of systemic care and local symptom relief. Options may include:
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Topical medications (e.g., compounded creams or rinses for burning or tingling)
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Systemic medications (e.g., low-dose neuromodulators)
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Photobiomodulation (laser) therapy to reduce inflammation and nerve hypersensitivity
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Oral stents or neurosensory appliances
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Stress management or behavioral interventions
We tailor treatment based on each patient’s diagnosis, symptom pattern, and systemic condition.
Why Choose Us for Systemic Orofacial Pain?
Our board-certified Orofacial Pain specialists are trained to detect and manage facial pain that stems from systemic disease. We understand how these complex cases differ from routine dental pain and take the time to coordinate with your medical team to ensure whole-body care.
With expertise in rare, overlapping, or misunderstood conditions, we bring clarity to cases that have defied answers elsewhere—and help you find a path toward comfort and recovery.
