Abstract
Studies on the role of physical fitness, physical activity and obesity as risk factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are scarce. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of TMD symptoms with physical fitness, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among Finnish conscripts. The study sample consisted of 8685 Finnish conscripts. Data on self-reported TMD symptoms were used as outcome variables. Physical activity (questionnaire), physical fitness (measured with physical tests: Cooper test, push-ups, sit-ups and standing long jump) and body mass index (BMI) were used as explanatory variables. The associations between TMD symptoms and explanatory variables were evaluated using Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of all TMD symptoms was significantly higher among those who exercised more rarely than weekly. Pain-related TMD symptoms were also significantly more frequent among those who were overweight (BMI ≥ 25). Poor push-up results and overweight (BMI ≥ 25) were significantly associated with jaw pain and TMJ pain at jaw rest. The present study showed that good physical fitness may be a protective factor against TMD pain. Dentists should also be prepared to motivate TMD patients to physical activity and regular exercise as part of the treatment.
Highlights
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are musculoskeletal pain disorders of the masticatory system, i.e., the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and the masticatory muscles [1].The most common signs and symptoms of TMD are pain, limited range of jaw movement, and TMJ sounds
It has been shown that 15–50% of the population report at least one symptom associated with TMD, while 30–90% report at least one clinical sign [3,4]
The prevalences of all painrelated TMD symptoms except facial pain were significantly higher among those who reported less physical activity in the last 6 months compared to active conscripts
Summary
The most common signs and symptoms of TMD are pain, limited range of jaw movement, and TMJ sounds. The prevalence of TMD symptoms and signs is quite common in the adult population, the levels showing large variation between studies. It has been shown that 15–50% of the population report at least one symptom associated with TMD, while 30–90% report at least one clinical sign [3,4]. TMD signs and symptoms are common in young adults and adolescents, the prevalence varying from 7 to 34% [5,6]. The prevalence of different self-reported, at least occasional TMD symptoms varied between 5.8% (difficulty in jaw opening) and 27.8% (TMJ clicking) in the male population [7].
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