Oro-facial pain in the community: prevalence and associated impact.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of oro-facial pain (OFP) in the population and within-population subgroups and to describe the associated disability.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional population study.

SETTING: General medical practice in South East Cheshire, United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 4000 adults aged 18-65 years of whom 2504 responded (adjusted participation rate 74%).

MAIN RESULTS: The overall prevalence of OFP was 26% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 24%, 28%). The prevalence of symptoms was higher in women (30%) than in men (21%) and in both sexes the highest (30%) prevalence was found in the 18-25 year age group and the lowest (22%) in the 56-65 age group. Of all the participants, 12% had pain in or around the eyes, 10% reported pain in and around the temples, 6% pain in front of the ears and 6% pain in the jaw joints. Only 46% of the participants with OFP had sought professional advice from a dentist or general medical practitioner and 17% had to take time off work or were unable to carry out normal activities because of pain.

CONCLUSIONS: OFP is a common symptom experienced by a quarter of the adult population, of whom only 46% seek treatment. The prevalence is higher in women and younger age groups.