Self-reported Temporomandibular Disorders Research Articles

Prevalence of Painful Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms Among Professional and Student Musicians: An Online Survey.

Within the fields of medicine and music, increasing attention is given to evidence indicating music performance being an occupational risk factor for temporo-mandibular disorders (TMD). Assessment of self-reported painful TMD symptoms among student and professional musicians. Using Survey Monkey software, the German version of the 'TMD-Pain-Screener' was distributed electronically to professional and student musicians in Europe. Supplementary questions addressed age, gender, daily playtime, instrument type and type of professional practice. Results are presented as median [interquartile range]. The TMD-pain-screener was completed by 492 participants. Among them, 96 (19.5%) reported painful TMD (Pain_pos) and 396 did not experience pain (80.5%, Pain_neg). Pain_pos participants were significantly younger (Pain_pos: 34 years [26; 46], Pain_neg: 44 years [30; 56], p = 0.0003), had less work experience (Pain_pos: 15.5 years [6; 25], Pain_neg: 20 years [10; 32], p = 0.009), had fewer performances/year (Pain_pos: 20/year [10; 45], Pain_neg: 30/year [12; 53.5], p = 0.03) and were predominantly female (OR = 3.22 [1.87, 5.74], p < 0.0001). Comparisons among music performance types revealed no statistical significance in the overall test (p = 0.13), although 'keyboard' (OR = 2.99 [0.58, 30.12]), 'upper string' (OR = 2.31 [0.43, 23.63]) and 'singer' (OR = 2.14 [0.44, 20.75]) stood out compared to the reference group 'lower string' (OR 1.00). Organ players formed the largest group and showed a comparatively low prevalence of Pain_pos (16%), compared to other keyboard instruments (Pain_pos 30.2%). Prevalence of TMD pain was highest among young inexperienced female musicians. Playing keyboard instruments (other than organ) or upper strings instruments were frequently associated with painful TMD screening. An improved understanding of causes, implementation of preventive measures, professional guidance and a biopsychosocial health care perspective may decrease this occupational risk while maintaining the health benefits of music.

Prevalence and impact of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in dental students and faculty.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect individuals undergoing increased stress, for example, dental professionals. No study to date has compared dental students and faculty in TMD manifestation. This cross-sectional study compared prevalence, risk factors, and impact on daily activities of self-reported TMD signs/symptoms between dental students and faculty at a predoctoral dental school, and between preclinical (first- to second-year) and clinical (third- to fourth-year) students. A REDCap survey was sent to dental students and faculty, assessing TMD signs/symptoms (TMD Symptom Questionnaire), pain intensity (Chronic Graded Pain Scale), jaw function (Jaw Function Limitation Scale), parafunctions (Oral Behavioral Checklist), previous TMD treatments, anxiety/depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and sleep quality (RU-SATED Scale). Outcomes were compared between groups using chi-square and t-tests, adjusting for covariates with analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). Data derived from N=145 participants (N=108 students, N=37 faculty). Dental students reported significantly higher prevalence (90.1% vs. 75.7%, p=0.020) and greater number of TMD signs/symptoms (5.3±3.5 vs. 3.0±2.7, p<0.001) compared to faculty. Students reported significantly more parafunctional activities (p=0.000), jaw-strain episodes (prolonged mouth opening, p=0.007), higher stress level (p=0.008), and lower sleep quality (p=0.002) than faculty. Difference in number of TMD signs/symptoms was maintained after adjusting for stress, sleep quality, and parafunctional/jaw-strain activities. Clinical students utilized significantly more often evidence-based TMD treatment compared to preclinical students. High prevalence of self-reported TMD was observed among dental students and faculty, with students reporting higher prevalence and impairment despite working in the same environment. Findings underscore the importance of education on preventive measures early in dental training to address contributing factors and TMD management.

Impact of professional, recreational and nonsinging on temporomandibular disorders - a comparative study based on a self-assessment questionnaire

BackgroundThis study investigates the relationship between professional and recreational singing on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in women compared to a nonsinging control group.MethodsA total of 288 female subjects between the ages of 18 and 45 participated in the self-assessment questionnaire including demographic data, as well as questions on vocal practice and TMDs symptoms. Depending on the singing time per week, the (non)vocalists were assigned to the groups professional (n = 96), recreational (n = 96) and nonsingers (n = 96).ResultsThe TMDs prevalence in professional singers (42%) was higher than that in recreational singers (31%) and noticeably higher than that in nonsingers (25%). The Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test showed that the differences between the groups were not noticeable (p = .053) but could be formulated as tendencies. The professionals suffered much more from restricted jaw movement (p = .004; OR = 2.718; 95% CI = 1.409–5.242), temporomandibular joint sounds (p < .009; OR = 2.267; 95% CI = 1.264–4.064) and temporomandibular pain (p = .010; OR = 2.333; 95% CI = 1.264–4.308) than nonsingers.ConclusionsSinging might have an enhancing effect on the appearance of TMDs. In particular, professional singers suffered more from self-reported TMDs than recreational singers and nonsingers. In addition to the high level of physical workload if participating in professional singing, the psychosocial impact should be investigated more in further studies. No new treatment strategies resulted from this study, as the etiological significance of singing is still unclear. Knowledge about risk factors for multifactorial TMDs can help practitioners and patients prevent and treat TMDs.

Remodeling of the Temporomandibular Joint After Mandibular Setback Surgery: A 3D Cephalometric Analysis

Condylar adaptations following orthognathic surgery remain an area of interest. Prior studies do not use 3-dimensional imaging modalities and lack standardization in the choice of osteotomy and movement when assessing condylar changes. The purpose of this study was to use 3-dimensional cephalometry to measure the association between osteotomy type (sagittal split osteotomy [SSO] vs vertical ramus osteotomy [VRO]) and changes in condylar volume and position. This is a retrospective cohort study from January 2021 through December 2022 of patients at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, New York who were treated with either SSO or VRO for the correction of Class III skeletal malocclusion. The primary predictor was the type of mandibular osteotomy, sagittal split osteotomy, and vertical ramus osteotomy. The primary outcomes were changes in condylar volume (change measured in mm3) and relative position (anterior-posterior change utilizing the Pullinger and Hollinder method). Covariates included patient age, sex, setback magnitude, temporomandibular joint symptoms, and fixation method for SSO patients. Univariate comparisons were performed between independent variables and study outcomes. Volume changes were compared within each predictor using paired t-tests. Position changes were compared within each predictor using χ2 tests. If there were multiple significant univariate predictors, multiple regression models were created to predict volume and position changes. A P<.05 value was considered statistically significant. The final sample comprised 30 condyles derived from 30 subjects. Mean age was 22.7years (SD=5.7) and mean setback was 3.9mm (SD=0.9). Twenty two condyles (73.3%) were subject to SSO with fixation, while the remaining 8 (26.7%) condyles were subject to intraoral VRO without fixation. When compared to VRO, condyles manipulated with SSO had greater volume loss (-177.2 vs -60.9mm3; P=.03) and positional change (68.2 vs 12.5%; P<.01). Self-reported measures of postoperative pain, internal derangement, and myofascial symptoms were not significantly associated with either volume or positional changes. The SSO resulted in greater postoperative condylar volume loss and positional changes. These volume and positional changes were not correlated with self-reported temporomandibular disorder symptoms.

Evaluation of the mandibular condylar bone microarchitecture in people living with HIV.

People living with HIV (PLWH) have been shown to have lower bone density at the spine, hip, and radius. However, whether a similar bone phenotype is seen in craniofacial bones is not known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the bone microarchitecture of the mandibular condyle in PLWH. We recruited 212 participants, which included 88 HIV-negative participants and 124 PLWH on combination antiretroviral therapy with virological suppression from a single academic center. Each participant filled out a validated temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain screening questionnaire and had cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of their mandibular condyles. Qualitative radiographic evidence of temporomandibular joint disorders-osteoarthritis (TMJD-OA) assessment and quantitative microarchitecture analysis of their mandibular condylar bones were conducted. There was no statistically significant difference in either self-reported TMD or in radiographic evidence of TMJD-OA in PLWH compared with HIV-negative controls. Linear regression analysis revealed that positive HIV status remained significantly associated with increased trabecular thickness, decreased cortical porosity, and increased cortical bone volume fraction after adjusting for race, diabetes, sex, and age. PLWH have increased mandibular condylar trabecular bone thickness and cortical bone volume fraction compared with HIV-negative controls.

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders Based on a Shortened Symptom Questionnaire of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and Its Screening Reliability for Children and Adolescents Aged 7-14 Years.

The prevalence and adequacy of diagnostic approaches for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children and adolescents are still matters of debate. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TMD and oral habits in children and adolescents aged 7-14 years and evaluate the consistency between self-reported TMD symptoms and clinical findings using a shortened Axis I of Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD). Children (aged 7-10) and adolescents (aged 11-14) of both sexes were invited to participate in this study (n = 1468). Descriptive statistics for all observed variables and Mann-Whitney U-Tests for the clinical examination were performed. A total of 239 subjects participated in the study (response rate 16.3%). The self-reported prevalence of TMD was found to be 18.8%. The most frequently reported oral habit was nail biting (37.7%), followed by clenching (32.2%) and grinding (25.5%). Self-reported headache increased with age, while clenching and grinding decreased. Based on the answers to the DC/TMD Symptom Questionnaire, subgroups of asymptomatic and symptomatic participants (n = 59; 24.7%) were established and randomly selected for the clinical examination (f = 30). The shortened Symptom Questionnaire showed a sensitivity of 0.556 and a specificity of 0.719 for pain during the clinical examination. Although the Symptom Questionnaire exhibited high specificity (0.933), its sensitivity (0.286) for temporomandibular joint sounds was low. Disc displacement with reduction (10.2%) and myalgia (6.8%) were the most common diagnoses. In conclusion, the self-reported prevalence of TMD in children and adolescents in this study was comparable to that reported in the literature for adults. However, the accuracy of the shortened Symptom Questionnaire as a screening tool for TMD-related pain and jaw sounds in children and adolescents was found to be low.

Association of climacterium with temporomandibular disorders at the age of 46 years – a cross-sectional study

Objective Hormonal factors have been suggested to contribute to female dominance among subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Aim of the study was to examine the association of climacteric status with TMD amongst female participants in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC) 1966 at 46 years of age. Material and Methods Among female subjects in NFBC1966, climacteric status was determined based on menstrual anamnesis and measurement of blood follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Women with FSH > 25 IU/L and amenorrhoea > 4 months were defined as climacteric (case group, n = 71); women not diagnosed as climacteric were defined as preclimacteric (control group, n = 656). Differences between cases and controls were evaluated on self-reported TMD pain, clinical TMD signs and TMD diagnoses using modified Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) protocol. Crosstabulation and logistic regression models were used to analyse differences between cases and controls. Results Compared to preclimacteric women, climacteric women had significantly more often pain on palpation in temporomandibular joints (TMJs) (OR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.12–6.21, p= .026) and more crepitus in TMJs (OR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.13–7.56, p= .027). Degenerative joint disease diagnoses were more common in climacteric than preclimacteric women (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.05–4.91, p= .037). Differences were statistically significant after adjusting for confounding factors (body mass index (BMI), smoking, parity). No statistically significant differences in self-reported TMD pain were noted between groups. Conclusion Among females at the age of 46 years, climacterium seems associated with TMD by increasing pain on palpation in TMJs, subjective symptoms, and clinical signs indicating degenerative changes in TMJs when using DC/TMD.

Relationship between Oral Parafunctional and Postural Habits and the Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Cohort Study Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a multifactorial joint disease of the masticatory system. The possible etiological factors involved in the onset and progression of TMDs include oral parafunctional habits (OPFHs) and postural habits (PHs). However, little information is available on the association between OPFHs and PHs and a predisposition to TMDs. Thus, to investigate whether the presence of OPFH and PH predisposes individuals to TMDs, a survey-based cross-sectional cohort study of self-reported TMD was performed. A total of 2292 patients with TMD were recruited for the survey. Through one-to-one propensity score matching, 166 patients with and without sleep bruxism (SB) were selected. The SB group had a significantly higher risk of masticatory muscular pain or fatigue than the non-SB group (p = 0.018). Furthermore, the SB group without other OFPHs and PHs did not show a significantly higher risk of TMD symptoms than the non-SB group. Diurnal clenching and bad posture also affect the stomatognathic system, causing pain or fatigue; however, it did not result in TMDs in patients without any OPFHs and PHs. This implies that OPFHs and PHs may increase the risk of TMD symptoms in coexistence with other habits.

Awake bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, and quality of life in dental students during COVID-19 lockdown: association with mental health

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of awake bruxism (AB), temporomandibular disorders (TMD), quality of life (QoL), and their association with anxiety, depression, and stress levels, during COVID-19 lockdown. To this aim, 268 final-year dental students were asked about AB and TMD-related pain. QoL, anxiety and depression, and stress sensitivity were evaluated with the WHOQOL-bref instrument, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Perceived Stress scale, respectively. Associations were tested by independent t-test, chi-square test, and simple regression analysis (α = 0.05). AB and TMD symptoms were reported by 54.8% and 64.2% of the volunteers, respectively, which presented worse quality of life (P &lt; 0.05). Regression models showed that anxiety, depression, and stress predicted AB (P &lt; 0.001) and QoL (P = 0.0001). Final-year dental students demonstrated high prevalence of self-reported AB and TMD, both of which correlated with lower QoL and were predicted by psychological factors.

Self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular disorders: Relationship to psychological wellbeing, psychological distress, and oral health-related quality of life.

To investigate the relationship of self-reported temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms with psychologic well-being (PWB), psychologic distress (PD), and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The study sample was recruited from a local university using a convenience sampling technique. The Diagnostic Criteria for TMD Symptom Questionnaire (DC/TMD-SQ); Scales of Psychological Well-being-18 (SPWB-18); Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21); and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) were administered electronically to establish TMD symptoms and to assess PWB, PD, and OHRQoL, respectively. Data were analyzed by number/type of TMD symptoms using Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlation (α = .05). A total of 602 participants with a mean age of 19.30 ± 1.18 years (84.3% women) were evaluated. Of these, 59.2% reported TMD symptoms, with 10.7% having multiple (≥ 3) features. Pain-related (PT), intra-articular (IT), and combined (CT) TMD symptoms were present in 23.8%, 15.4%, and 20.2% of the cohort, respectively. For both number and type of symptoms, significant differences in SPWB-18 (total, environmental mastery, and self-acceptance), DASS-21 (total/all domains), and OHIP-14 (total/all domains) scores were observed (P < .05). A moderately strong negative correlation was noted between PWB and PD (rs = -0.55). Participants with no TMD (NT) symptoms had significantly higher PWB than those with two or more TMD symptoms. They also had significantly lower levels of PD and better OHRQoL. Conversely, individuals with PT/CT reported significantly lower PWB compared to those with no symptoms. Moreover, they also had significantly higher levels of PD and poorer OHRQoL than the IT/NT groups.

Painful and non-painful comorbidities associated with short- and long-term painful temporomandibular disorders: A cross-sectional study among adolescents from Brazil, Canada and France.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain is common among adolescents. The association between painful TMD and other comorbidities has been demonstrated. However, the difference between short-term (<6months) and long-term (≥ 6months) painful TMD is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between comorbidities and short- and long-term painful TMD among adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, adolescents were recruited from Montreal (Canada), Nice (France) and Arceburgo (Brazil). Self-reported painful TMD, comorbidities, school absence and analgesic intake were assessed using reliable instruments. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the study aims. The prevalence of short- and long-term painful TMD was estimated at 22.29% and 9.93% respectively. The number of comorbidities was associated with short- (OR=1.71, 95%CI=1.53-1.90) and long-term painful TMD (OR=1.79, 95%CI=1.55-2.08) compared to controls. Frequent headaches (ORshort-term =4.39, 95%CI=3.23-5.98, ORlong-term =3.69, 95%CI=2.45-5.57) and back pain (ORshort-term =1.46, 95%CI=1.06-2.03,ORlong-term =1.69, 95%CI=1.11-2.59) were associated with both painful TMD groups. Frequent neck pain (OR=2.23, 95%CI=1.53-3.26) and allergies were only associated with short-term painful TMD (OR=1.54, 95%CI=1.13-2.10). Frequent stomach pain was related to long-term (OR=2.01, 95%CI=1.35-3.26), and it was the only comorbidity significantly more frequent among the long than short-term TMD (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.14-2.90). These analyses were adjusted by sex, age and city. In this multi-centrestudy, bothshort-andlong-termpainfulTMDareassociatedwithfrequent headachesandback pain, whereas frequent neck painandallergies are related toonlyshort-termandfrequent stomach painwithlong-termpainfulTMD.

The Association Between Psychological Symptoms and Self-Reported Temporomandibular Disorders Pain Symptoms in Children and Adolescents.

Background: Several studies have reported an association between temporomandibular disorder pain (TMD-P) and emotional disorders in children and adolescents. However, no studies have reported if self-reported TMD-P in Saudi Arabia is associated with psychosocial symptoms. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported TMD-P with depression, anxiety and somatic problems in children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. The hypothesis was that there is an association between self-reported TMD-P and psychological symptoms among children and adolescents.Materials and Methods: The included participants were randomly selected boys and girls aged between 10 and 18 years, with a mean (SD) age of 14.0 (2.3) years. Out of 633 children and adolescents that were invited to participate, 509 voluntarily agreed to participate, and 466 completed all questionnaires. The questionnaires included items retrieved from the Youth Self Report (YSR) and Axis II of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) besides demographic data, medical history, and presence of oral parafunctions. To assess the presence of self-reported TMD-Pain, each participant was verbally asked two validated questions regarding the presence of TMD-P and dysfunction (2Q-TMD).Results: Self-reported TMD-P in children and adolescents was significantly associated with anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and social problems (P < 0.0001). Further, the frequencies of anxiety, depression, and somatic disorders were more evident among children and adolescents who suffered from TMD-P (P < 0.0001). The odds of reporting TMD-P in children and adolescents was 1.4 times for border line and clinical diagnosis scores for anxiety and withdrawal depression domains, and 2.6 times for the somatic symptoms' domains. However, in the multiple regression model after controlling for possible confounders, only somatic symptoms and social scores were significant. Moreover, self-reported TMD-P was twice as prevalent among girls compared to boys.Conclusion: This study reports a significant association between psychosocial burden and presence of self-reported TMD-Pain, with a stronger impact on girls than boys. There were significantly higher number of participants with self-reported TMD-P reporting a poor oral and general health. In addition, self-reported TMD-P was higher among those with borderline and clinically diagnosed anxiety/depression scores. Based on this finding, the current study supports that an early approach and recognition of children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and TMD problems. This could result in a lesser burden for these children and adolescents both in regard to pain and psychosocial implications with increased quality of life.

Risk factor assessments of temporomandibular disorders via machine learning

This study aimed to use artificial intelligence to determine whether biological and psychosocial factors, such as stress, socioeconomic status, and working conditions, were major risk factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Data were retrieved from the fourth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2009), with information concerning 4744 participants’ TMDs, demographic factors, socioeconomic status, working conditions, and health-related determinants. Based on variable importance observed from the random forest, the top 20 determinants of self-reported TMDs were body mass index (BMI), household income (monthly), sleep (daily), obesity (subjective), health (subjective), working conditions (control, hygiene, respect, risks, and workload), occupation, education, region (metropolitan), residence type (apartment), stress, smoking status, marital status, and sex. The top 20 determinants of temporomandibular disorders determined via a doctor’s diagnosis were BMI, age, household income (monthly), sleep (daily), obesity (subjective), working conditions (control, hygiene, risks, and workload), household income (subjective), subjective health, education, smoking status, residence type (apartment), region (metropolitan), sex, marital status, and allergic rhinitis. This study supports the hypothesis, highlighting the importance of obesity, general health, stress, socioeconomic status, and working conditions in the management of TMDs.

Association of Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms with Physical Fitness among Finnish Conscripts.

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.

Prevalence of self-reported pain-related temporomandibular disorders and association with psychological distress in a dental clinic setting.

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of self-reported pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and its association with psychological status in a dental clinic setting.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, patients were asked to complete a TMD pain screener and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Correlations between symptoms of pain-related TMDs and PHQ-4 scores were analysed using Spearman’s correlation test. Symptoms of pain-related TMDs were compared between four groups of participants with different psychological profiles using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by multiple comparisons. The level of significance was adjusted using the Dunn–Bonferroni test.ResultsThe prevalence of self-reported pain-related TMDs was 22.2%. TMD pain score was positively correlated with PHQ-4 score. The high anxiety and the comorbidity groups had significantly higher TMD pain scores than the controls.ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of self-reported pain-related TMDs, which was correlated with scores on all psychological assessment scales. Symptoms of pain-related TMDs were significantly greater in patients with high anxiety scores, regardless of depression level.

Prevalence of clinical signs and pain symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and associated factors in adult Finns

Objective: To assess the prevalence of clinical signs and pain symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and associated factors in the Finnish adult population, as well as the association between self-reported TMD pain symptoms and clinical signs.Material and methods: The sample consisted of 1577 Finnish adults who participated in the Health 2011 Survey (BRIF8901). Signs of TMD were assessed using clinical examination, and TMD pain symptoms were inquired using validated questions.Results: Of the study subjects, 35% showed at least one sign of TMD, 8% reported weekly facial pain and 6% weekly pain when biting or jaw opening. According to logistic regression, female gender, poor general health and low level of education increased the risk for most TMD signs and TMD pain symptoms. Muscle or TMJ pain on palpation associated significantly with self-reported weekly facial pain or pain when biting or jaw opening.Conclusion: Over a third of the population showed clinical signs of TMD and less than one-tenth reported TMD pain symptoms. An assessment of a patient’s general health needs to be a part of TMD diagnosis and treatment. The Finnish versions of the validated questions are applicable for screening of TMD pain.

Comorbid conditions associated with painful temporomandibular disorders in adolescents from Brazil, Canada and France: A cross-sectional study.

Painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is common among adolescents. Presence of painful comorbidities may worsen painful TMD and impact treatment effectiveness. The aim of this study was to assess the association between painful TMD and comorbidities. In this cross-sectional study, adolescents were recruited in Montreal (Canada), Nice (France) and Arceburgo (Brazil). Reliable instruments were used to assess painful TMD and comorbidities. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the study aims. The prevalence of self-reported painful TMD was estimated at 31.6%; Arceburgo (31.6%), Montreal (23.4%) and Nice (31.8%). Painful TMD was more common among girls than boys (OR=1.96). Painful TMD was associated with a higher number of comorbidities (OR=1.77); Arceburgo (OR=1.81), Montreal (OR=1.80) and Nice (OR=1.72). A stronger association was found between painful TMD and headaches (OR=4.09) and a weaker one with stomach pain (OR=1.40). Allergies were also related to painful TMD (OR=1.43). Painful TMD was associated with comorbidities. Headaches were consistently associated with painful TMD. Other associations were modified by sex and/or covariates related to the cities where participants were recruited.

Are vocalists prone to temporomandibular disorders?

BackgroundAs vocalists demand high physical strains of the masticatory system, singing is frequently mentioned as a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).ObjectivesThis study investigated whether vocalists report a higher prevalence of two types of TMDs (viz., TMD pain and temporomandibular joint sounds) compared with instrumentalists who do not load their masticatory system while performing. In addition, we examined which risk indicators are associated with the presence of these TMDs among musicians.MethodsA total of 1470 musicians from 50 different music ensembles completed a questionnaire. Of these musicians, 306 were vocalists (mean age ± SD 37.5 ± 17.7 years; 63.9% female) and 209 musicians enrolled the control group (mean age ± SD 42.7 ± 18.0 years; 40.7% female).ResultsThe prevalence of self‐reported TMD pain among vocalists was 21.9%, as compared to 12.0% in the control group. 20.0% of the vocalists reported TMJ sounds versus 15.1% of the controls. The multiple regression models indicated that being a vocalist was not a risk indicator for the presence of self‐reported TMD pain nor for self‐reported TMJ sounds. Instead, it appeared that the report of TMD pain among musicians was positively associated with female gender, next to the level of physical workload, depicted as frequency of oral behaviours and the hours of daily practice. Musicians’ report of TMJ sounds was associated with oral behaviours.ConclusionThis study shows that singing is not associated with the reports of TMD pain and TMJ sounds, after adjusting for potentially confounding variables included in the models.

Singing is not associated with temporomandibular disorders

This research investigated whether vocalists report pain-related forms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds more often than musicians who do not load their masticatory system while playing. In addition, we investigated which risk indicators were associated with TMDs among musicians. A total of 1,470 musicians from 50 different music ensembles completed a questionnaire, including 306 vocalists (the group investigated) and 209 musicians who do not load their jaw while playing (the control group). The prevalence of self-reported TMD pain among the vocalists was 21.9%, compared with 12.0% in the control group. 19.6% of the vocalists reported TMJ sounds versus 14.8% of the controls. From the multiple regression model, taking into account the effect of confounders, such as age and gender, singers were not shown to report TMD pain and jaw joint sounds more often than non-singers. Various forms of physical workload were, however, positively associatedwith the presence of self-reported TMDs among musicians, namely the intensity of harmful oral habits with TMD pain and TMJ sounds, the number of hours of daily practice with TMD pain, and the number of years of playing experience with TMJ sounds.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among Finnish prisoners: cross-sectional clinical study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms and clinically diagnosed TMD among Finnish prisoners.Material and methods: Altogether 100 prisoners from the Pelso Prison, Vaala, Finland, underwent dental and TMD clinical examinations performed by a calibrated and well-trained dentist. Symptom Questionnaire and clinical examination according to a Finnish pre-final version of the DC/TMD (Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders) Axis I protocol were used to evaluate the prevalence of TMD sub-diagnoses.Results: The most common TMD symptoms were facial pain (54.0%), temporomandibular joint noises (43.0%) and headache (37.0%). The prevalence of joint-related TMD diagnoses was four and a half times higher than diagnoses attributed with pain (76.0% vs. 17.0%). The most common TMD diagnoses were degenerative joint disease (33.0%) and disc displacement with reduction (33.0%).Conclusions: The prevalence of self-reported TMD symptoms and clinical assessed TMD, especially join-related TMD diagnoses, is high among Finnish prisoners. Examination and treatment of TMD should become a common practice also in prison dental care.