Symptoms Of Temporomandibular Disorders Research Articles

Correlates Between Temporomandibular Disorder Symptom Severity, Psychological Distress, Well-Being, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: Insights From Chinese Young Adults.

There is limited understanding of how temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms, psychological distress, and well-being are related to each other and to OHRQoL in Chinese young adults. This study aimed to identify correlations between TMD symptom severity, psychological status, and OHRQoL while also examining factors associated with low OHRQoL. Participants, recruited from a major university in the capital city, completed a survey that included demographics, the Chinese versions of the expanded five TMD symptoms (5Ts) screener, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-being-18 (SPWB-18), and Oral Health Impact Profile for TMDs (OHIP-TMD). Data were analysed using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression (α = 0.05). The study sample consisted of 414 individuals (mean age 22.0 years [SD 2.1], 77.8% female). Among them, 23.4%, 22.2%, 15.7%, and 38.6% had no (NT), intra-articular (IT), pain-related (PT), and combined (CT) TMD symptoms, respectively. Significant differences were observed in global TMD severity (CT>IT, PT>NT), global distress (CT>IT, NT), and OHRQoL (CT>IT, PT, NT), but not global well-being. Global TMD severity was significantly, albeit weakly, correlated with global distress (rs = 0.32) and global well-being (rs = -0.12). Global distress, in turn, showed a significant but weak negative association with global well-being (rs = -0.34). Both global TMD severity and global distress exhibited moderate correlations with global OHIP (rs = 0.63/0.42). Global TMD severity, incorporating symptom duration, frequency, intensity, and interference, was the main determinant of low OHRQoL in Chinese young adults.

Effects of a rehabilitation program in patients with temporomandibular disorders. A case series

Objective The purpose of this prospective case series study was to evaluate the effects of a rehabilitation program based on Splint Therapy (ST), Rhythmic Temporomandibular Joint Mobilization (RTJM), and Self-management (SM) on jaw functional limitations, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold and myoelectric activity in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs). Methods A single group of 17 participants (14 females and 3 males; mean age 31.18 ± 9.60 years) with symptoms of TMDs according to Research Diagnosis Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was evaluated. Jaw functional limitation scale (JFLS), pain intensity (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and myoelectric activity (MA) were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up after an 8-week rehabilitation program. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS package version 20.0. A p = <0.05 was considered statistically significant and an effect size = >0.8 was considered clinically significant. Results Statistically significant differences were found at post-treatment and follow-up for JFLS, VAS, and PPT (p = <0.05). Clinically significant improvements were observed in JFLS (d = 1.99), VAS (d = 1.28), and PPT at post-treatment (d = >0.8). No statistically significant effect was observed for MA at any time point, except for isometric MA in the right masseter between T1 and T2 (p = 0.04). Conclusion This prospective case series suggests that a rehabilitation program based on ST, RTJM, and SM could improve jaw function, pain intensity, and pressure pain threshold in patients with TMDs.

Kinematic classification of mandibular movements in patients with temporomandibular disorders based on PCA

This retrospective study aimed to kinematically classify mandibular movements collected during Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) treatment, employing Fourier transformation (FT), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and K-means clustering (k-means), and to investigate their correlation with symptoms of pain-related TMD. The study included five TMD participants diagnosed with myalgia (age: 39–86 years, with an SD of 18.96) and three healthy participants (age: 32–42 years, with an SD of 5.13) with no stomatognathic problems. TMD participants underwent tailored treatment for their symptoms, and their maximum unassisted mouth opening (MMO) was recorded randomly with a motion capture system (ARCUS digma II, Kavo, Biberach, Germany) at multiple time points. MMO for healthy participants served as a control. The dataset comprising 28 trials, was transferred to the AnyBody Modeling System (AnyBody Technology, Aalborg, Denmark) to extract joint angle time series, which were then transformed into Fourier series. Subsequently, PCA and k-means clustering were conducted. Two clusters were identified: Cluster 1, predominantly composed of symptomatic trials, and Cluster 2, mainly consisting of asymptomatic trials. Distinct transition pathways between the clusters were observed among participants, corresponding to the alleviation of pain-related symptoms during TMD treatment. These findings suggest that this approach has potential as an effective tool for diagnosing and assessing TMD by identifying symptomatic kinematic patterns and tracking temporal changes in mandibular movement. Despite the small dataset, these results suggest promise for a novel functional assessment method for TMD based on kinematic features.

Comparative Evaluation of Temporomandibular Disorders and Dental Wear in Video Game Players.

Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of video gaming has raised concerns about its potential impact on musculoskeletal health, particularly temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aims to compare TMD symptoms, mandibular function, and dental wear between gamers and non-gamers among university students. Methods: An observational study included 108 students aged 20 to 23 years, divided into gamers (n = 48) and non-gamers (n = 60). Participants completed questionnaires assessing TMD symptoms, gaming habits, and screen time. Clinical examinations measured mandibular movements, palpation-induced pain, and dental wear using the Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson's correlations, and logistic regression. Seven comprehensive tables present the findings with p-values. Results: Gamers reported significantly higher screen time (Mean = 6.5 h/day) compared to non-gamers (Mean = 4.0 h/day; p < 0.001). Maximum unassisted mouth opening was greater in gamers (Mean = 48.31 mm) than in non-gamers (Mean = 46.33 mm; p = 0.04). Gamers exhibited a higher prevalence of pain on palpation of the masseter muscle (45.8% vs. 30.0%; p = 0.05). Dental wear scores were significantly higher in gamers for teeth 2.3 (upper left canine) and 3.3 (lower left canine) (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were found between hours spent gaming and maximum mouth opening (r = 0.25; p = 0.01) and dental wear (r = 0.30; p = 0.002). Logistic regression showed that gaming status significantly predicted the presence of TMD symptoms (Odds Ratio = 2.5; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Gamers exhibit greater mandibular opening, increased dental wear, and a higher prevalence of masticatory muscle pain compared to non-gamers. Prolonged gaming may contribute to altered mandibular function and increased risk of TMD symptoms. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and develop preventive strategies.

Association Between Physical Activity Levels and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders in Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Sedentary work is a potential health risk factor and may exacerbate painful complaints, while physical activity may serve as a preventive factor for the onset and worsening of musculoskeletal disorders. However, there is scarce evidence on how engaging in leisure physical activity may influence the reporting of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) symptoms. To assess the association between the level of physical activity and TMD symptoms in office workers. This is a cross-sectional study, 225 office workers of both sexes, aged over 18 years, participated in the study. The mean age was 33.65 (± 9.31) years, with a predominantly female sample (67.1%). The TMD Pain Screener determined the presence/absence of TMD symptoms, and the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (BQHPA) determined the level of physical activity as high/moderate/low. 25.3% of the total sample presented TMD symptoms, of which 19.1% were women. The total BQHPA score showed that 35.5% of the total sample had a high level of physical activity. Regression analysis revealed no association between TMD symptoms and the level of leisure physical activity. Office workers exhibited a low prevalence of TMD symptoms, and the presence of TMD symptoms was not associated with the level of physical activity.

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in Adult Women with Endometriosis.

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of endometriosis varies between 10% and 18%, while temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) concern between 29 and 34% of the general population. Both conditions share similar etiological factors and symptoms such as widespread, chronic pain. Therefore, both are qualified as Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions. Even though TMDs and endometriosis appear to be comorbidities, up until now, no research has examined how the incidence rates compare between them. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence of TMD symptoms in women with endometriosis in the Polish population. Methods: 163 adult women with endometriosis, aged 32.41 ± 6.76 years, completed an anonymous online survey regarding their medical history and TMD symptoms. The participants were screened for TMD symptoms using two questionnaires-3Q/TMD and TMD Pain Screener (part of the DC/TMD protocol). The history mainly consisted of a chronology of symptoms' appearance, medical consultations, and final confirmation of the diagnosis, to establish delay time. Results: The analysis revealed that 77.3% of women with endometriosis showed TMD symptoms, and 49.08% of the whole studied population showed important pain levels. Then, the sample was divided into two groups according to the 3Q/TMD questionnaire-a TMD and an nTMD group. The results showed significantly higher pain levels in the TMD group (r = 0.721) compared to non-symptomatic subjects. The mean patients' delay time (T1) was 2.81 ± 4.40 years, and the mean doctors' delay (T2) was 5.32 ± 5.65 years. Conclusions: The results provide a new insight into the relationship between endometriosis and TMD. The prevalence of the latter condition was found to be high, creating a strong recommendation for the use of TMD screening tools in this particular population.

Individuals with Temporomandibular Dysfunction show reduced strength of the cervical muscles

Introduction: The literature indicates that individuals with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) also present pain and changes in the posture of the cervical spine, but there are still few studies that have evaluated the strength of the cervical muscles. Objectives: To evaluate cervical muscle strength in young adults with and without temporomandibular disorders. Materials and Methods: Young adults aged 18 to 25 years from a private university, with and without a diagnosis of TMD and in good general health, participated in this study. Individuals with neck/head trauma were excluded; disc herniation and degeneration; systemic diseases such as fibromyalgia, lupus; pregnancy; anesthetic block during the last 3 months. Questionnaires with general data and the Fonseca Anamnestic Index were applied to evaluate the signs and symptoms of TMD and Neck Disability Index (NDI) to assess the level of disability related to pain in the cervical spine. The assessment of muscular strength of the cervical flexor and extensor muscles measured by maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) was performed using a manual dynamometer, model 2201163, Lafayette, IN, USA. Results: A higher frequency of signs and symptoms of moderate TMD was observed (53%). A reduction in muscle strength in the TMD group was identified in relation to the group without TMD for all movements, but a significant difference was observed only in the flexion movement. Conclusion: Individuals with TMD have lower muscle strength for all movements of the cervical spine compared to individuals who do not have the same condition, and this difference is significantly present for the flexion movement.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and their association with sociodemographic factors and depression/anxiety symptoms in Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and their association with sociodemographic and psychosocial factors among 33- to 35-year-old Finnish adults in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). Methods The sample included 1788 NFBC1986 subjects that have been clinically examined in 2018–19. TMD symptoms were inquired, and clinical TMD examinations were performed based on the Diagnostic Criteria of TMD (DC/TMD). Sociodemographic factors and depression/anxiety symptoms based on Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were inquired using questionnaire. Results The prevalence of at least one of TMD symptoms was 30.4%. Women had higher prevalence of TMD symptoms and diagnoses compared to men. Female sex, anxiety/depression symptoms and socioeconomic group associated significantly with TMD pain symptoms and pain-related diagnoses. Conclusion The most frequent TMD diagnosis was myalgia and 26.4% had at least one TMD diagnosis. Anxiety/depression symptoms were associated with TMD symptoms and pain-related diagnoses.

Association Between Temporomandibular Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Scoping Review.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass various clinical conditions associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the masticatory muscles. TMD symptoms include pain in the orofacial region, restricted or altered mandibular movement, and sounds associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This condition adversely affects quality of life, social functioning, and daily activities, and may also contribute to widespread pain syndromes and comorbidities, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common chronic functional disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract, characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with impaired bowel symptoms. Previous studies indicate an association between TMD and IBS. This scoping review examined the correlation between TMD and IBS concerning their pathology, frequency, and severity, and the potential similarities in how the nervous and endocrine systems influence them. PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search engines were utilized to identify suitable studies for this article. Following the application of selection criteria, a total of 58 clinical papers met the eligibility requirements for inclusion in the systematic review. Research showed that both conditions significantly enhance the development of one another and have mutual comorbidities. Both ailments were proven to modify central nervous system processing, leading to high comorbidity in patients. Combining dental and gastroenterological treatments, including a simultaneous therapeutic approach, can significantly enhance patients' quality of life, but further research is needed for a holistic approach.

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.

The potential association between sedentary behaviors and risk of temporomandibular disorders: evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis.

The role of sedentary behaviors in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to investigate the potential association between sedentary behaviors and TMD using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The MR method was employed to assess the causal association between sedentary behaviors and the risk of TMD. Genetic variants associated with sedentary behaviors, such as watching TV (Television), using computers and driving, were used as instrumental variables (IVs). MR analysis was performed using inverse variance-weighted (IVW) and weighted median methods, alongside MR-Egger regression to assess pleiotropy and statistical heterogeneity. Furthermore, leave-one-out analyses were conducted to assess whether any single SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) or subset of SNPs influenced the results. Our analysis identified a significant association between driving time and the risk of temporomandibular disorders (IVW: OR (Odd ratio) = 2.797, 95% CI (Confidence interval) = 1.148-6.811, p = 0.024; weighted median OR = 4.271, 95% CI = 1.226-14.871, p = 0.023). In contrast, no significant associations were observed between time spent watching TV and using a computer and TMD risk. The robustness of the findings was confirmed through sensitivity analyses, including leave-one-out analysis. This study provides evidence of a potential genetic link between prolonged driving and TMD risk, suggesting that individuals frequently engaged in long-duration driving should be monitored for TMD symptoms. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interactions between sedentary behaviors and TMD, incorporating longitudinal and comprehensive assessments.

The effectiveness of physical therapy for temporomandibular disorder: A systematic review

Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are diseases of the stomatognathic system characterized by various signs and symptoms. TMD treatment must be multidisciplinary because its causes are multifactorial. Noninvasive conservative treatment strategies should be carried out before considering invasive treatment options that may lead to irreparable damage. Physical therapy is an effective noninvasive therapy for managing the signs and symptoms of TMD. To date, the most effective therapeutic approach for managing TMD pain remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the most effective physical therapy for pain management, symptom control, and quality of life improvement in patients with TMD. Methods Data search was performed using the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Sciences databases. The results are reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for systematic reviews. Interventions based on physical therapy, including physical exercise, manual therapy, myofacial muscle manipulation, and postural therapy, with pain relief, increased mouth opening, or improved quality of life as primary outcomes, were examined. Results Twenty eligible articles were analyzed. Most interventions demonstrated statistically significant improvements as measured by the study outcomes. Conclusions Most types of physical therapy demonstrated positive effects on patients with TMD. Furthermore, physical therapy for both cervical and regional TMJ manipulation can be an alternative long-term treatment for TMD.

The association between temporomandibular disorders signs and symptoms, bruxism, and health variables: A cross‐sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective The study aimed to determine the associations between several important and potentially modifiable health variables and TMD signs and symptoms. Methods A total of 209 adult dental patients from two clinics completed surveys on demographics, self-reported awake and sleep bruxism, TMD signs and symptoms, stress, depression, chronic pain, and sleep quality. Correlations and regression analyses were used to identify associations between these health variables and TMD symptoms. Results Awake bruxism was significantly associated with chronic pain intensity, jaw pain, clenching pain, and headaches. Stress and depression correlated with chronic pain intensity and clenching pain. No correlation was found between BMI and TMD symptoms. In multivariate analysis, both awake and sleep bruxism were associated with TMD symptoms, while sleep quality was related to pain on chewing and depression was associated with chronic pain intensity. Conclusions Identifying these associations can guide clinicians in assessing, educating and managing TMD-related issues by addressing bruxism, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms.

The Association Between Specific Oral Behaviors and the Number of Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to thoroughly explore the relationship between individual oral behavior and the differing numbers of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptom in the general population. A total of 565 participants were recruited and completed a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, eight specific oral behaviors, and five major TMD symptoms (5Ts) checklist. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between individual oral behavior and the number of TMD symptoms, after controlling for confounders. The prevalence of TMD symptoms was up to 38.2% in the general population, with 64.6% of the participants engaging in one or more oral behaviors. Female participants showed a stronger positive association with most oral behaviors than males. Moreover, wake oral behaviors exhibited a higher correlation coefficient value with TMD symptom number than sleep oral behaviors. Among the eight oral behaviors, bruxism in sleep exhibited no significant correlation with the of TMD symptom number (P>0.05). Seven other specific oral behaviors were significantly correlated with the number of TMD symptoms by multivariate linear regression analysis (P<0.01). The associations between the seven oral behaviors and TMD symptom number remained significant in sleep posture pressuring jaw (β: 0.165, 95% CI: 0.080-0.250), bruxism in awake (β: 0.341, 95% CI: 0.132-0.550), teeth clenching (β: 0.422, 95% CI: 0.264-0.580), pressing, holding, or touching teeth together (β: 0.282, 95% CI: 0.169-0.395), holding or tightening muscles without clenching (β: 0.447, 95% CI0.304-0.589), holding jaw forward or to the side (β: 0.694, 95% CI0.526-0.861), and holding jaw in rigid or tense position (β: 0.571, 95% CI0.418, 0.724) after adjustment for demographic factors (P<0.01). There was a positive association between seven specific oral behaviors and TMD symptom number. Individuals with higher frequency of specific oral behaviors are more likely to suffer from more TMD symptoms. Sleep bruxism exhibited no association with TMD symptoms and symptom number.

Efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy on temporomandibular disorder: a retrospective study.

Dextrose prolotherapy is one of the most promising minimally invasive interventions for temporomandibular disorder (TMD), particularly in refractory cases where other conservative treatments have failed. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of a new treatment, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prolotherapy, in patients with TMD to alleviate symptoms. A retrospective analysis was conducted on TMD patients with chronic pain who did not respond to conventional treatments. TMJ prolotherapy was performed using hypertonic dextrose in the TMJ area, targeting the retrodiscal attachment tissue, anterior disc attachment tissue, lateral capsule, origin of the masseter muscle, and the stylomandibular ligament. Pain or discomfort intensity in the TMJ was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS). Maximum mouth opening and subjective satisfaction were also analyzed. Nineteen patients (6 males, 13 females, average age 43 years) participated in this study. All patients experienced pain improvement with a maximum of three prolotherapy sessions. The initial mean NRS was 5.7, which ultimately decreased to a final mean TMJ discomfort score of 1.7 postintervention. The patients' maximum mouth opening increased from an initial 34.5 mm to 38.8 mm, and they reported positive satisfaction with the prolotherapy treatment. The clinical outcomes were positive regardless of main origin of TMD symptoms. Hypertonic TMJ prolotherapy is an effective minimally invasive intervention for TMJ disorders with chronic pain.

Prevalence of tinnitus in temporomandibular joints disorder patients

BackgroundDisorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), related structures, and the masticatory muscles are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The two most typical symptoms are mouth opening restriction and pain. Costen noted the connection between TMD and tinnitus in 1934. These conditions are brought about by the shared structures that connect the TMJ and the auditory apparatus (bones and muscles) through a shared innervation source and specific ligaments. Wright addresses Costen ideas, which suggest that otological symptoms of TMD could be caused by auriculotemporal nerve damage, Eustachian tube restriction, or other factors causing an incorrect intratympanic pressure adjustment.MethodsCross-sectional observation was regulated at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. The following are the inclusion criteria: patients with a TMD diagnosis and those older than 16 years old. The following conditions are excluded: neurological or oncological disorders, ear infection, and a history of face trauma.ResultsThe total number was 196 patients, 63.8% females and 36.2% males. A total of 76.5% had bilateral joint pain, and 21.9% had unilateral joint pain. While 70.4% had bilateral muscle pain, 18.9% had unilateral muscle pain. A total of 91.8% had mild tinnitus, while 8.2% had moderate tinnitus.ConclusionIn this study, 8.2% of patients complaining of tinnitus had severe tinnitus, while 91.8% had mild tinnitus.

The Effect of Postural Rehabilitation on Pain, Balance, Mandibular Movement, and Posture in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients: A Comparison Between Posterior Edentulous and Dentate Groups.

Objective: Posterior edentulism reduces occlusal support, thus increasing the risk and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. No previous study has explored its effect on the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed to examine the relationship between neck posture, balance, and posterior edentulism in patients with temporomandibular disorder and compare the effectiveness of physical therapy. Methods: In a quasi-experimental controlled trial, 26 patients with temporomandibular disorder were divided into 13 in the partly edentulous group and 13 in the dentate group. Both groups received manual therapy, postural exercises, deep neck flexor stabilization, and Kinesio tapping for 6 weeks. Each participant completed 12 physiotherapy sessions, administered twice weekly, with a minimum interval of 48 hours between sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the 6-week program, including pain, mandibular movement, posture, and balance. Results: The physical therapy program significantly improved all measured outcomes (P < .05). Furthermore, the partially edentulous group showed more remarkable improvement in pain and balance compared to the dentate group (P < .05). Conclusions: Postural exercises effectively alleviate symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorder, with more significant improvements observed in the partially edentulous group than in the dentate group.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Dutch Adults With Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

To explore the oral health-related quality of life and its possible risk factors among adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-49 questionnaire. Secondary objectives were to investigate the impact of self-reported Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, and age on various dental parameters. A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed online to 417 Dutch adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta at three national referral centers. Multivariate linear regression was performed to identify indicators for OHIP-49 Scores. The effect of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, and age on various dental parameters was investigated using logistic regressions (p < 0.05). One hundred and fifty-five questionnaires (37.2%) were suitable for analysis. Osteogenesis Imperfecta type III was significantly associated with higher OHIP-49 scores as compared to type I. Symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, missing teeth or dentures also increased the OHIP-49 scores significantly. Osteogenesis Imperfecta type IV and increasing age were associated with missing teeth. There was a 31.94 times (95% CI: 8.56-119.13) higher odds of tooth fracture with self-reported Dentinogenesis Imperfecta. Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta type III report a lower oral health-related quality of life compared to Osteogenesis Imperfecta type I adults.

Patients with temporomandibular disorders and chronic pain of myofascial origin display reduced alpha power density and altered small-world properties of brain networks

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is one of the most common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Although its pathophysiology is still a challenge, TMD has been associated with changes in central nervous system activity related to pain modulatory capacity. OBJECTIVE: To assess the cortical activity of patients with temporomandibular disorders and chronic pain of myofascial origin using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) in different mental states. METHOD: This study consists of a cross-sectional study. Individuals with TMD and chronic pain and healthy controls were evaluated using qEEG in four consecutive conditions, all with closed eyes: 1) initial resting condition; 2) non-painful motor imagery task of hand movement; 3) painful motor imagery task of clenching the teeth; 4) final resting condition. RESULTS: Participants with TMD and chronic pain overall presented decreased alpha power density during baseline at rest, non-painful and painful motor imagery tasks when compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, functional brain connectivity was distinct between groups, with TMD and chronic pain showing lower small-world values for the delta (all conditions), theta (painful and non-painful motor imagery task), and alpha bands (painful motor imagery task), and an increase in the beta band (all conditions). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TMD and chronic pain could be associated with maladaptive plasticity in the brain, which may correspond to a reduced ability to modify brain activity during different mental tasks, including painful and non-painful motor imagery.

Prevalence of psychosocial findings and their correlation with TMD symptoms in an adult population sample

Background and aimSome studies suggested an association between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and psychosocial status, but most of them are focused on samples of patients looking for treatment or present limits of sample representativeness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychosocial status in a large sample of adult population, further than to assess its association to TMD symptoms, oral behaviours, and self-reported facial trauma.Resultsthe study sample included 4299 subjects older than 18 years randomly recruited from general population in public spaces during their daily life (1700 Males, 2599 Females mean ± SD age = 40.4 ± 18.1). Psychosocial status and pain-related disability were assessed by means of Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) and Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS). TMD symptoms were assessed by RDC/TMD and validated screening tools for TMD pain. Oral Behaviours Checklist was used to investigate on oral behaviours. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of the psychosocial status, TMD symptoms, trauma, and oral behaviours. The association was tested using both univariate and multivariate models. The PHQ4 evaluation showed a severe impairment in 4.6% of our sample, moderate in 18.8% and mild in 32.5%. We found a Characteristic Pain Intensity (CPI) level and Interference Score greater that 30 respectively in 36.2% and 22.2% of the study sample. The GCPS status revealed a high disability with severe limitation in 2.5% of the sample, high disability with moderate limitation in 7.0%, low disability high pain intensity in 7.4% and low disability low pain intensity in 37.8%. Anxiety and depression’s levels were significantly associated with gender, TMD pain, coexistence of TMD Pain and sound, and oral behaviours. GCPS status was significantly associated with age, TMD Pain, coexistence of TMD pain and sound, trauma, and oral behaviours.ConclusionsIn the general population, psychosocial impairment is associated to TMD pain, female gender, and report of oral behaviours. Hence, in adults with TMD accompanied by pain, psychosocial status should also be evaluated.