Association between oral health-related quality of life and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder among older adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-reported symptoms of TMD. Methods Representative samples of older adults (≥60 years) were included (n = 569). Both TMD symptoms and OHRQoL were assessed by Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), respectively. Prevalence (those answering “frequently” or “always” in at least one question), severity (total means scores), and extent (number of questions answered as “frequently” or “always”) of OHRQoL were estimated. Results Overall, 33.4% and 9.5% had mild or moderate/severe TMD symptoms. Those with any symptom of TMD had a prevalence ratio (PR) 38% higher for the worst OHRQoL (95% confidence interval [95%CI]:1.04–1.82) compared to those without TMD symptoms. Worst OHRQoL were observed for those with mild (PR:1.35; 95%CI:1.01–1.81) and moderate/severe TMD (PR:1.53; 95%CI:1.04–2.26). Similar results were detected in the severity and extent of OHRQoL. Conclusion Severity TMD was associated with worse ORHQoL.