Although chronic pain has been termed the “hidden epidemic”,
there is a lack of information in Australia on its prevalence in the oral and
facial region (OFP) and its impact on the individual and society.
Objectives: To better understand the epidemiology of OFP by
investigating the prevalence and impact of OFP across the Sydney metropolitan
region.
Methods: Randomly selected Sydney adults completed a
telephone survey of 16 closed-ended questions on oral or facial pain, its
characteristics and impact on jaw function, activities of daily living and
health care use. Frequency responses and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence
intervals (CI) between variables were calculated (P<0.05).
Results: 105 subjects (59% ♀; 69% < 60 yrs)
consented to the survey. 30% reported OFP, with 22% tooth, 21% face/cheek and
19% jaw joint pain locations. 75% of pain respondents reported pain of 6+
months duration, and for 24%, pain was constant. Two-thirds of the pain
respondents had moderate-severe average intensity. In all OFP subjects jaw
function was affected, including eating hard foods (81%) and speech (50%). Pain
frequently interfered with daily activities (84%) and required professional
treatment (81%) with 49% attending more than 3 visits. In those with pain,
females were more likely to report pain with eating (OR 5.6; CI 1.2-27.1),
interference with daily activities (5.6; 1.2-27.1), and visits to a health
professional for the pain (10.6; 1.1-106.6). Compared to acute pain, chronic
OFP (6+ months) interfered more with sleep (8.5; 1.3-54.1) and daily activities
(8.5; 1.3-54.1) and coexisted with extracranial pain (25.2; 2.5-255.9). Those
with greater pain severity were more likely to report an effect on normal jaw
function (e.g. talking) (18; 1.9-171.9).
Conclusion: This study highlights the burden of OFP and suggests
the need for further studies to help determine health policy and clinical
practice guidelines directed at this problem.