Oral Medicine, Orofacial Pain Specialist - Dr. Chizobam Idahosa

02/17/2026

Dry Mouth Can Be a Medical Issue, Not Just a Dental One

Chronic dry mouth is more than a comfort issue. It can affect speaking, eating, swallowing, oral health, and overall well-being.

Dry mouth may be related to medications, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, salivary gland disorders, or other medical factors. Identifying the cause is important for proper management.

A comprehensive evaluation helps address dry mouth as part of a patient’s overall health—not just as a dental symptom.

Persistent dry mouth symptoms may warrant a medical-level assessment, particularly when associated with medications or autoimmune conditions.

Appointments are available by referral or self-request.

01/21/2026

Burning Mouth Syndrome – When Exams Look Normal

Burning mouth syndrome is characterized by a persistent burning, tingling, or painful sensation in the mouth, often without visible findings on routine exams.

Although the mouth may appear healthy, symptoms are very real and can significantly affect quality of life. Evaluation focuses on identifying any contributing medical, autoimmune, neurologic, hormonal, or medication-related factors.

A thoughtful diagnostic approach helps validate symptoms and guide appropriate management, even when traditional exams are normal.

Persistent oral burning or discomfort can adversely affect quality of life. Specialty evaluation may help identify contributing factors.

Appointments are available by appointment or self-request.

12/27/2025

Diagnostic Classification of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)

Jaw pain, limited opening, headaches, and difficulty chewing are among the reasons patients seek care for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Despite their common occurrence, these symptoms are often misunderstood. TMDs are not a single disorder but rather a broad group of conditions involving the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), the masticatory muscles, and the surrounding structures that enable speech, chewing, swallowing, and yawning.

What makes TMDs particularly challenging is that many of their symptoms overlap with those of dental pain, ear disorders, sinus disease, and even neurologic conditions. This overlap can delay diagnosis, lead to unnecessary dental treatment, or result in persistent symptoms. For this reason, a diagnostic classification system is essential for both patients and dental professionals.

The diagnostic classification of TMDs is not fixed or absolute. It is an evolving framework that reflects advances in clinical research, imaging, and pain science.

The classification system used in this article is partially derived from the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), developed by the International RDC/TMD Consortium. I have also included additional categories outlined in the resource: “Orofacial Pain: Guidelines for Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management” by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

Why Diagnostic Classification Matters
A structured diagnostic approach helps answer a fundamental question: where is the pain or dysfunction coming from? Is it arising from the joint itself, the surrounding muscles, both the joint and the muscles, or a broader systemic or neurological process?

It is important to recognize that many individuals have more than one TMD diagnosis at the same time. Joint and muscle disorders frequently coexist, and symptoms may change over time. A systematic diagnostic framework enables clinicians to identify contributing factors rather than focusing on a single finding.

Broadly, TMDs are classified into three major groups:
-Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
-Masticatory Muscle Disorders
-Headache Attributed to TMDs

Each group includes several distinct conditions with characteristic clinical features.

This article presents the more commonly encountered conditions. I do not discuss the full spectrum of disorders that can affect the TMJs and associated structures.

Click to read the full article on my website- https://www.oralmedicinespecialist.com/post/diagnostic-classification-of-temporomandibular-disorders-tmds

pain

12/09/2025

Why write a book about God’s love?

Because everything starts here.

Our healing, our identity, our security, our ability to love others—all of it is rooted in how deeply we know we are loved by God.

Loved is my journey of receiving that truth and letting it transform me from the inside out.

I pray it does the same for you. 💗

Learn more and order a copy: https://beautifulinjesus.com/loved/

11/09/2025

Grateful to the USA Section of the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI) for the invitation to speak at yesterday’s virtual annual session. I had the privilege of presenting “Imposters of Toothache: Evaluation of Non-Odontogenic Causes of Facial Pain.” It was an honor to share this topic and engage with colleagues committed to advancing patient care.

09/02/2025

I will teach a virtual orofacial pain continuing education course titled "The Many Faces of Toothaches: A Practical Approach to Evaluation of Non-odontogenic Facial Pain" on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The course will be hosted by Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry.

If you are a healthcare professional interested in enhancing your clinical skills by recognizing and diagnosing orofacial pain conditions that can sometimes mimic toothaches, I invite you to join me for a virtual morning session.

This continuing education is ideal for general dentists, specialist dentists, first-year oral medicine/orofacial pain residents, dental hygienists, neurologists, family practice, internal medicine, emergency room physicians, etc.

Click to Register - https://noncredit.temple.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=186656716

06/04/2025

Dentists now routinely care for patients with complex medical conditions, underscoring the importance of understanding the interplay between oral and systemic health. The common phrase, “The mouth is the mirror to the body,” reflects this bidirectional relationship.

Therefore, the Review of Systems (ROS) plays a crucial role in assessing the severity of medical issues that may influence dental treatment. For instance, conducting a focused cardiac ROS is vital when managing patients with known cardiovascular diseases.

In oral medicine and orofacial pain, where most patients present with underlying systemic conditions that directly or indirectly influence the presentation and severity of their chief concern, the importance of a well-executed ROS is not just a formality; it becomes a necessity.


So, What Exactly is a Review of Systems?
The Review of Systems (ROS) is a systematic method used by healthcare providers to gather information about a patient’s overall health by assessing symptoms across various organ systems. It involves a thorough evaluation of current or recent signs and symptoms the patient may be experiencing, organized by body system. Typically, the ROS is conducted through a structured series of questions covering systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological.


Why is a review of systems important?
Click to read the full post on my website.

Explore the importance and clinical applications of the Review of Systems in dentistry and oral medicine.

01/31/2025

🎉 Just wrapped up delivering my virtual continuing education course, “Oral Lesions: Recognition, Diagnosis, and Management” today! ✨
If you missed it, don’t worry! Keep an eye out for my next course — I'll be sure to announce it here! 👀
Thanks to everyone who joined in, and I hope the session helped you feel more confident in evaluating patients with oral mucosal disorders in your practice.
Enjoy your weekend!

01/17/2025

Hello, my People,
I will teach my VIRTUAL oral medicine continuing education course titled: "Oral Lesions: Recognition, Diagnosis, and Management" on Friday, January 31st, 2025, from 9 am to 4 pm. Hosted by Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry.

If you are a healthcare professional interested in improving your clinical skills in recognizing, diagnosing, and managing oral mucosal disorders, I invite you to spend the day with me virtually.

This continuing education in oral medicine is ideal for general dentists, specialist dentists, first-year oral medicine residents, dental hygienists, family practice, internal medicine, emergency room physicians, etc.

Direct Registration Link: https://noncredit.temple.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=186509778

Oral mucosal disorders encompass a wide variety of lesions with different etiologies. Some patients present with lesions that have pathognomonic clinical characteristics while other lesions have similar clinical features, which make them more challenging to diagnose.  Using a problem-oriented as we...

11/16/2024

I’m pleased to share that last weekend, I was inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI).

It was a privilege to connect with a group of kind, welcoming, and highly accomplished dental professionals whose knowledge and experience I deeply respect. The weekend provided valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, and I’m grateful to be part of this community dedicated to advancing the field of dentistry.

Thank you to the ADI, Dr. Fritz, and everyone who has supported me throughout my dental journey.

10/08/2024

“Beyond Tired: A Sleep Physician’s Guide to Solving Your Child’s Sleep Problems for Good” is now available for purchase on Amazon!!

This is a comprehensive yet easy-to-read guide filled with strategies for improving sleep in kids and their families.

The author, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, is a Sleep Physician with years of expertise in this field.

Head over to Amazon to get your copy.
Link: https://a.co/d/cu4lm97