Which group of non-odontogenic disorders is most likely to cause tooth pain?

Myofascial pain is a common origin of non-odontogenic tooth pain. This type of pain arises from muscle dysfunction, particularly in the muscles involved in mastication, such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. When these muscles become tense or strained, they can generate referred pain that mimics dental pain, often leading patients to believe they have a tooth issue when the root cause is actually muscular.

This is particularly relevant in instances where patients experience discomfort in the jaw or cheek that is mistaken for tooth pain. The phenomenon of referred pain—when pain is perceived in a location different from its source—is a crucial factor in why myofascial pain can closely resemble dental pain.

In contrast, neurovascular pain, such as that seen in migraines or cluster headaches, typically presents with characteristics distinct from dental pain, including throbbing sensations and associated symptoms like nausea. Neuropathic pain, arising from nerve damage or dysfunction, also has a unique presentation that tends not to mimic dental conditions directly. Psychogenic pain, which is influenced by psychological factors, may not localize to a specific area in the way that myofascial pain does, making it less likely to directly correlate with tooth pain. Thus,