Meta-analysis of the global prevalence of oral and facial pain

Globally, the prevalence of concurrent oral and facial pain is 19%, compared with 12% for facial pain alone, and 21% for oral pain. Concurrent oral and facial pain was most common among individuals under 18 years of age (24%), decreasing to 16% among those aged 18-60 years and 10% in those aged >60 years. Females reported a higher prevalence (21%) of oral and facial pain than males (15%). Overall, the burden of concurrent oral and facial pain is greatest in Asia and South America, particularly among females, where prevalence exceeds 28%, while the lowest rates are found in Europe, especially among males (8%). The results of the present study should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity of the included studies. Further epidemiological research is recommended, employing rigorous methodology and adhering to current pain classification systems.