The Impact of Dental and Facial Pain

Abstract

This paper presents data from a mail survey on dental and facial pain. The survey was conducted in the City of Toronto in 1986. The aim of the study was to obtain estimates of the prevalence of such pain and its impact on daily life. A random sample of 1014 names was drawn from the voters' list, and, as a result of four mailings, information was obtained on 71.6% of the eligible sample. Of those returning questionnaires, 39.7% reported dental or facial pain in the previous four weeks. A psychological impact in the form of worry or concern was reported by 70.3% of those experiencing pain, while 58.0% reported one or more behavioral impacts. The most common behavioral impacts were consulting a dentist or doctor, avoiding certain foods, taking medication, and disturbance of sleep. Severe behavioral impacts such as work disability, need for bed rest, and reduced social contacts were also reported by some of those having pain. The results suggest that dental and facial pain imposes a significant burden on the community. Further research is indicated, with more sensitive impact measures being used.

Desigualdades contextuais e individuais da prevalência de dor dentária em adultos e idosos no Brasil

“…Introdução A dor dentária é um dos sintomas mais comuns das doenças e agravos bucais, é fortemente associada com a percepção de necessidade de cuidados odontológicos e exerce impacto na qualidade de vida 1 . Em adultos, o impacto da dor dentária inclui a perda de produtividade no trabalho, mudanças nos hábitos alimentares com restrição a certos alimentos 2 e a necessidade de medicação e procura por serviços de saúde 1,3,4 .…”

“…Em adultos, o impacto da dor dentária inclui a perda de produtividade no trabalho, mudanças nos hábitos alimentares com restrição a certos alimentos 2 e a necessidade de medicação e procura por serviços de saúde 1,3,4 .…”

“…Estudos mostram que cerca de 40% das pessoas que sentem dor procuram atendimento médico ou odontológi-co 1,5 . No levantamento epidemiológico nacional de saúde bucal de 2003 6 , a experiência de dor dentária foi o motivo da visita ao dentista para 46% dos adultos.…”

Dental pain and associated factors in Brazilian preschoolers

“…- 3 The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience caused by tissue damage 4. Among the types of orofacial pain, those of dental origin have been reported as the most frequent,5 may affect social interaction, daily activities,6 and may have a negative impact on quality of life 78 It should be noted that the perception of pain may be influenced by knowledge and beliefs of the individuals, as well as by the cultural and social environment in which they live 9…”

“…, 8 It should be noted that the perception of pain may be influenced by knowledge and beliefs of the individuals, as well as by the cultural and social environment in which they live 910 Different factors have been associated with the presence and perception of dental pain, such as low socioeconomic status,9 dental caries,11 food-related difficulties, and sleep disorders 6. Moreover, its occurrence has been identified as one of the main reasons for seeking dental care 2…”