Occlusal Dysesthesia: Identifying Knowledge Gaps to Advance Clinical Care.

BACKGROUND

Occlusal dysesthesia (OD) is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent occlusal discomfort in the absence of detectable occlusal abnormalities. Despite decades of clinical recognition, OD remains poorly understood, frequently misdiagnosed and inconsistently managed.

OBJECTIVE

To map the existing literature on OD, identify conceptual and mechanistic knowledge gaps, and outline research priorities to advance understanding and improve clinical care.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Seven electronic databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) were searched for English-language publications from 1976 to January 2026. Eligible sources included clinical studies, case reports/series, reviews, book chapters, and editorials addressing abnormal occlusal perception not attributable to structural pathology. Two reviewers independently screened records and full texts, with discrepancies resolved by consensus.

RESULTS

Forty-six articles were included. The literature was dominated by non-empirical reports. Most clinical research studies originated from Japan. Psychophysical studies did not demonstrate altered occlusal discrimination thresholds in individuals with OD, while psychological distress and depressive symptoms were consistently reported. Limited neuroimaging evidence suggested altered central processing, particularly involving prefrontal regions. No validated diagnostic criteria or standardized management strategies were identified.

CONCLUSION

Available evidence supports conceptualizing OD as a heterogeneous condition involving altered central processing and occlusal perception rather than a primary occlusal abnormality. Rigorous multidisciplinary and multimodal research integrating psychophysics, psychological assessment, and advanced neuroimaging is urgently needed to improve education and inform evidence-based diagnosis and management.