The incidence and pattern of non-odontogenic orofacial pain conditions at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania

Introduction and aim. Non-odontogenic orofacial pain (NOFP) is a result of pathology, or injury to the structures in the orofacial region including the muscles, temporomandibular joint, neurovascular structures, and glands. This multi-diverse aetiopathogenesis poses a challenge in the diagnosis and management of NOPF. To determine the incidence and trend of various non-odontogenic orofacial pain conditions at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) for 6 months. The information gathered included socio-demographic characteristics of participants, characteristics of pain, and cause of pain. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results. The incidence of NOFP was 3.3%. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1 and the mean age of patients was 44.2 ± 17.4 years. The mean intensity of the pain using the VAS was 47.27 ± 5.66. Most (36.7%) patients experienced sharp pain. The common causes of NOFP were trauma (43.3%) and malignant lesions (38.3%). A statistically significant association between the age and sex of the patients and the causes of non-odontogenic pain was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The incidence of non-odontogenic orofacial pain is low. Trauma and malignant conditions were the leading causes of NOFP.