Temporomandibular disorders and oral health-related quality of life. A systematic review

Quality of life and level of physical activity of individuals with temporomandibular disorders with and without otological symptoms: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Otological symptoms (OS) are highly prevalent in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Individuals with TMD and OS have more neck disability and decreased deep neck muscles endurance when compared to individuals without OS. However, no studies have evaluated whether OS is associated with lower Quality of Life (QoL) and worse levels of physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the QoL and level of physical activity of individuals with TMD with and without OS.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 62 individuals with TMD were allocated into 2 groups: TMD with OS (n = 36) or TMD without OS (n = 26). Self-reported complaints of dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, earache, ear fullness, or hypoacusis were considered as OS. QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-Bref and physical activity with the IPAQ-SF. Independent t-test and chi-squared test were used for analysis between-groups. Effect sizes were reported using Cohen's d. A Pearson correlation was used to compare the number of OS and QoL scores. A significance level of p < 0.05% and 95% confidence intervals were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The total generic scores for QoL were not different between-groups (p = 0.076), but individuals with TMD with OS had lower satisfaction (p = 0.015; d: 0.63) and physical domain (p = 0.015; d: 0.64) scores with a moderate effect size. In TMD with OS, 69.4% of individuals were irregularly active and 50% for the TMD without OS, with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The number of OSs was inversely and weakly associated with the QoL total score.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with TMD and OS are associated with worsened QoL (physical domain and satisfaction) when compared to individuals with TMD without OS. The higher the number of OS, the worse the QoL score. Individuals with TMD with and without OS had similar levels of physical activity, but a high prevalence of irregularly active and sedentary individuals within TMD diagnosed population was found.

Psychometric properties of the Indonesian Fonseca anamnestic index and the presence/severity of temporomandibular disorders among Indonesian young adults

OBJECTIVE

The psychometric properties of the Indonesian FAI (FAI-I) and presence/severity of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) among Indonesian young adults were explored.

METHODS

The FAI-I was developed following the INfORM guidelines and used to determine the presence/severity of TMDs. Internal consistency/test-retest reliability were examined with Cronbach's alpha/intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients. Construct/criteria validity were established by correlating (Spearman) the FAI-I to the five major TMD symptoms (5 Ts) and OHIP-14 (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Five hundred-one participants (mean age 19.73 ± 1.27 years; 75.2% women) were recruited from a local University. Of these, 40.7% had no TMD, while 49.9%, 8.8%, and 0.6% had mild, moderate, and severe TMD. While Cronbach's α = 0.57 and ICC = 0.72, correlation coefficients to total 5 Ts and OHIP-14 were 0.53 and 0.47, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The FAI-I had low internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and good validity. Moderate-to-severe TMD was experienced by 9.4% of the young adults examined.

Conceptualising TMD symptom burden in youths: Symptom duration, frequency, intensity and interference

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to conceptualise Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptom burden and severity and explored their interrelationships with somatic symptoms and psychological distress.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a local polytechnic. The quintessential five TMD symptoms (5Ts) of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD) were appraised and extended to evaluate the duration, frequency, intensity and interference of discrete TMD symptoms. Global TMD severity (GS) was computed by totaling the points for all TMD symptoms and dimensions. TMD (TS) and somatic symptom (SS) burden were assessed based on the Somatic Symptoms Scale-8, while psychological distress was measured with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests and Spearman's correlation (α = .05).

RESULT

Of the 366 eligible participants (mean age 19.1 ± 2.3 years), 51.4% were 5Ts-negative and 48.6% were 5Ts-positive. Among the 5Ts-positive individuals, 25.3%/64.0% were 'bothered a little' whereas 4.5%/10.7% were 'bothered a lot' by TMD pain/headache. Correspondingly, 32.6%/12.4%/5.1% were 'bothered a little' while 2.8%/2.8%/1.1% were 'bothered a lot' by TMJ sounds/closed/open locking. TS burden was moderate-to-strongly correlated to aggregate symptom duration, frequency, intensity, interference, GS and SS burden (rs = .50-.88). While TS burden and GS were weakly associated with psychological distress (rs = .18-.36), SS burden was moderately related to depression, anxiety and stress (rs = .47-.53).

CONCLUSIONS

TS burden can serve as a proxy for global TMD severity and may be more meaningful than the mere presence of TMD symptoms in clinical and research settings.

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

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.

Severity and form of temporomandibular disorder symptoms: Functional, physical, and psychosocial impacts

OBJECTIVE

The associations between the presence of differing severity/form of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were explored.

METHODS

The severity and form of TMDs in young adults were categorized based on the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) and Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD), and OHRQoL was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 501 young adults (mean age 19.7 ± 1.3 years; 75.2% women). Participants with severe/moderate TMDs had significantly higher OHIP severity scores than those with mild/no TMDs. Moreover, participants with combined/pain-related symptoms exhibited significantly higher severity scores compared to those without symptoms. The physical pain and psychological discomfort domains were typically more impaired regardless of severity/form of TMD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

More severe and painful symptoms were related to greater impairments in OHRQoL, especially in the physical and psychological domains.

Age distribution of East Asian TMD patients and age-related differences in DC/TMD axis I findings

OBJECTIVES

The pattern of age distribution in East Asian temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients and age-related differences in DC/TMD diagnostic subtypes/categories were evaluated.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

TMD patients from two University-based centers in China and South Korea were enrolled. Axis I physical diagnoses were rendered according to DC/TMD. Patients were categorized into six age groups (15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, and 65-84 years; Groups A-F respectively).

RESULTS

Youths/young adults (Groups A-C) formed 74.1% of TMD patients. TMJ disc displacements (74.9%), arthralgia (49.2%), and degenerative joint disease [DJD] (36.8%) were the most common TMD subtypes. The majority had combined (54.0%) and chronic (58.5%) TMDs. Youths/young adults and middle-aged/old adults had substantially lower frequencies of merely pain-related (6.2-14.5%) and intra-articular (13.8-16.8%) TMDs correspondingly. "Being female" increased the prospects of pain-related/combined TMDs by 96%/49%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

East Asian TMD patients comprised mostly of youths/young adults who had an alarmingly high prevalence of TMJ DJD.

The association of gene polymorphisms in catechol-O'methyltransferase (COMT) and β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) with temporomandibular joint disorders

OBJECTIVE

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) has a multifactorial etiology that includes environmental, psychological, and genetic factors. This study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between polymorphisms in Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) genes with TMD.

DESIGN

This observational case-control study included 80 patients and 70 healthy controls. The diagnosis of TMD was made using the diagnostic criteria for TMD and the following TMD categories were used for the case group: muscular TMD and articular TMD (disc displacement and arthralgia). A genotyping study of gene polymorphisms in COMT (rs 9332377) and ADRB2 (rs20530449) was performed from genomic DNA isolated from blood. The chi-square test was used to analyze the relationships. P < 0.05 was accepted as a significant difference.

RESULTS

The polymorphic TT and CT genotype for COMT (rs rs9332377) was significantly higher in the articular TMD group while the non-polymorphic CC genotype was significantly lower in the articular TMD group (P < 0.05). Regarding ADRB2 (rs20530449), the polymorphic GG genotype was similarly considerably more common in the articular TMD group (p < 0.05). In addition, the T allele in the COMT (rs rs9332377) gene was found to be significantly higher in the articular TMD group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the Turkish population, gene polymorphisms in COMT (rs9332377) and ADRB2 (rs2053044) were associated with articular TMD. This study supports the hypothesis that changes in COMT and ADRB2 genes may play a role in temporomandibular joint pain and predisposition to TMD.

The "5Ts" screening tool: Enhancements and threshold values for effective TMD identification

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to enhance the quintessential "five temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms" (5Ts) screener by incorporating frequency options and distinguishing between TMJ and muscle pain. The diagnostic accuracy along with cut-off points for the effective identification of TMDs was also established.

METHODS

Participants, aged ≥18 years, were recruited from a university-based hospital. After completing surveys encompassing demographic data and the enhanced 5Ts (with frequency options [5Ts-F] and differentiation of TMJ/muscle pain [6Ts-F]), protocolized interviews and clinical examinations were performed following DC/TMD. The diagnostic accuracy and best cut-off points were determined with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

RESULTS

324 participants were recruited (mean age 30.0 ± 11.4 years). Among these, 86.4% had TMDs. 5Ts exhibited high diagnostic accuracy for detecting all TMDs (AUC = 0.92) with sensitivity/specificity values of 83.9%/88.6%. Both 5Ts-F and 6Ts-F had slightly better accuracy (AUCs = 0.95/0.96), comparable sensitivity, and superior specificity (97.7%) compared to 5Ts. The best cut-off points were 1.5 for 5Ts and 2.5 for 5Ts-F/6Ts-F.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all three TMD screeners presented high diagnostic accuracy, 5Ts-F/6Ts-F had notably improved specificity. 5Ts scores of >1.5 and 5Ts-F/6Ts-F scores of >2.5 are to be applied for screening the presence of TMDs.

Does lifestyle modification (physical exercise and listening to music) improve symptoms in patients with a temporomandibular disorder? A randomized clinical trial

Introduction

The aim of the study was to compare pain relief in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with or without lifestyle modification.

Materials and Methods

This randomized clinical trial was performed on patients with TMD, who did not regularly exercise or listen to music. The participants were allocated into two groups. In the treatment group, the participants were instructed to exercise five times or more per week (30 minutes per session) and listen to the music of their choice five times or more per week (15 minutes per session) for 12 weeks. In the control group, the participants had their usual lifestyle without any modifications. The participants were examined for clicking and crepitus in the joint and maximum mouth opening before and after the intervention. The pain severity was also documented based on a visual analog scale.

Results

Thirty five patients were studied in each group. Twelve weeks after the intervention, the mean pain severity was 2.70 ± 0.73 in the treatment group and 4.63 ± 0.77 in the control group. The results of data analysis demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean pain severity at 12 weeks after the intervention (P <.001).

Conclusions

Lifestyle modification through physical exercise and listening to music may reduce pain in TMD patients.

A clinical trial: Aqualizer ™ therapy and its effects on myopathies or temporomandibular dysfunctions. Part II: Subjective parameters

OBJECTIVE

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) reduces patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim was to assess the effects of initial Aqualizer™ therapy.

METHODS

Group 1 (initial Aqualizer™ therapy) before definitive splint therapy or Group 2 (no initial therapy). Patients with arthrosis, partial/total prosthesis, or were undergoing splint therapy were excluded. Subjective parameters were evaluated: duration and intensity of pain, influence on wellbeing, changes in the head/neck area, handling and improvement of the Aqualizer™, improvement in QoL. The statistical significance level was 5% (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

In 53 patients (Group 1 n = 25; Group 2 n = 28), the improvement in patients' well-being and intensity of pain in both groups was significant (p < 0.001). An improvement in QoL was found in 84% of patients in Group 1 and 75% in Group 2.

CONCLUSION

Initial Aqualizer™ therapy can decrease the intensity of pain and increase patients'.

Evaluation of oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

METHODS

Subjects included 56 patients diagnosed with TMD. Control subjects consisted of 30 individuals without temporomandibular joint symptoms. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-J54) before and 4 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Total score and all subscale scores of the OHIP-J54 in patients before treatment were significantly higher than those of the control subjects and were significantly improved after treatment, except for social disability. Gender and NRS pain scores had statistically significant effects on OHRQoL, which was low in females and patients with severe pain.

CONCLUSION

OHIP-J54 appeared to be useful for understanding psychological and social problems as a screening tool and for assessing the extent of changes in the well-being of patients with TMD.

The Effect of Arthrocentesis Treatment for Maximum Mouth Opening and Pain in Temporomandibular Joint Diseases and the Effect of Splint, Drug, and Physical Therapy on This Treatment

Background and Purpose: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases involving the temporomandibular joint complex and the surrounding muscle and osseous structure. TMD can be classified as intra-articular or extra-articular. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of arthrocentesis in terms of maximum mouth opening (MMO) and pain in patients with TMD of intra-articular origin. In addition to this treatment, the effects of factors such as splints, medication, and physical therapy on arthrocentesis were examined. Material and methods: This retrospectively designed study was conducted with 79 patients who had previously undergone arthrocentesis. These patients were divided into three groups according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorder: disc displacement (DD) with locking (Group 1), DD without locking (Group 2), and degenerative joint diseases (Group 3) groups. The maximum mouth opening (MMO) and visual analog score (VAS) values of the groups were recorded before arthrocentesis (Baseline: T0), on the third day after arthrocentesis (T1), and at the sixth month (T2) after arthrocentesis. Information about whether the patients received concurrent medical treatment, splint treatment, and physical therapy was also recorded. These data were compared between groups. Results: It was observed that the VAS scores in all three groups decreased from T1 compared to T0 (p < 0.05). Likewise, the MMO value increased in all groups at T1 compared to T0. (p < 0.05). It was observed that splint treatment, pain killer and muscle relaxant treatment, and physical therapy made no additional contribution to arthrocentesis in terms of reducing pain or increasing MMO value (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Arthrocentesis was observed to be effective in terms of pain and function in TMJ patients in this study. It was observed that splint therapy, physical therapy, and medical therapy made no additional contribution to arthrocentesis in terms of MMO or pain.

The development and cognitive testing of a patient-reported experience measure for patients with chronic pain of temporomandibular disorders

INTRODUCTION

The importance of the patients' clinical experience has been reinforced several times over the last decade by healthcare organisations and policy makers. Routine gathering of experience data can help in enhancing patient-centred care and provide guidance to quality improvement schemes. Patient-reported experience measures can help to that end. The aim of this study was to develop a patient-reported experience measure to evaluate the experience of patients with temporomandibular disorders while receiving healthcare.

METHODS

Input from several sources was utilised to develop the tool; previous literature, patients with temporomandibular disorders, and experts in the field. A qualitative study was conducted following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments guidance to generate the items of the questionnaire, which subsequently underwent cognitive testing.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients took part in the qualitative study, in addition to six healthcare professionals. The preliminary questionnaire consisted of 28 questions with six response options.

CONCLUSIONS

This patient-reported experience measure is a brief tool to evaluate the clinical experience of patients with temporomandibular disorders. Patients' involvement ensured face and content validity of the questionnaire, in addition to the relevance, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness of the items.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion from 2000 to 2022

Purpose

This study conducted a bibliometric analysis that comprehensively described publications on temporomandibular joint and occlusion from 1 January 2000 to 31 October 2022, aiming to reveal hotspots and predict future research trends.

Methods

A total of 2985 articles and reviews were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Excel 2019, VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used for visualizing analysis of research trends, authors, journals, institutions, countries, keywords and cited references.

Results

Both the annual publication counts and citation times increased significantly. Wang MQ was the most active author. Moreover, Manfredini D and Okeson JP were the most influential two. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation was the core journal. University of Sao Paulo was the most productive institutions. "Temporomandibular disorders" (TMDs), "temporomandibular joint" and "occlusion" were the top 3 keywords with the most frequencies. Keywords and references with burst showed that the causes of TMDs, diagnosis and treatments for TMDs as well as bruxism may be hotspots currently and in the future.

Conclusion

In this study, the research trends, the most productive and influential authors, journals, institutions, countries, in addition to keywords and cited references with burst in the field of temporomandibular joint and occlusion were revealed by a bibliometric analysis, which could help scholars to understand recent hotspots and future trends.

The relation of temporomandibular disorders with oral health-related quality of life in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in an adult population.

METHODS

The data included 1,768 adults 46 years of age in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) study. The symptoms, signs and diagnoses of TMD were assessed using a modified protocol of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) and validated questionnaires. OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Associations of TMD and OHRQoL were evaluated with χ2 -test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

In females, pain-related TMD signs and diagnoses associated significantly with prevalence of OHIP total and all dimensions, whereas in joint-related TMD, psychological dimensions showed the strongest association. Males with pain- or joint-related TMD, the most impaired dimension was physical pain.

CONCLUSION

Pain-related TMD seems to associate more strongly with lower OHRQoL than joint-related TMD especially in females.

Influence of TRPV1 on Thermal Nociception in Rats with Temporomandibular Joint Persistent Inflammation Evaluated by the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD)

Background

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-associated inflammation contributes to the pain reported by patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It is common for patients diagnosed with TMD to report pain in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints, headache, and jaw movement disturbances. Although TMD can have different origins, including trauma and malocclusion disorder, anxiety/depression substantially impacts the development and maintenance of TMD. In general, rodent studies on orofacial pain mechanisms involve the use of tests originally developed for other body regions, which were adapted to the orofacial area. To overcome limitations and expand knowledge in orofacial pain, our group validated and characterized an operant assessment paradigm in rats with both hot and cold stimuli as well mechanical stimuli. Nevertheless, persistent inflammation of the TMJ has not been evaluated with this operant orofacial pain assessment device (OPAD).

Methods

We characterized the thermal orofacial sensitivity for cold, neutral, and hot stimuli during the development of TMD using the OPAD behavior test. In addition, we evaluated the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expressing nociceptors in rats with persistent TMJ inflammation. The experiments were performed in male and female rats with TMJ inflammation induced by carrageenan (CARR). Additionally, resiniferatoxin (RTX) was administered into the TMJs prior CARR to lesion TRPV1-expressing neurons to evaluate the role of TRPV1-expressing neurons.

Results

We evidenced an increase in the number of facial contacts and changes in the number of reward licks per stimulus on neutral (37°C) and cold (21°C) temperatures. However, at the hot temperature (42°C), the inflammation did not induce changes in the OPAD test. The prior administration of RTX in the TMJ prevented the allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by CARR.

Conclusion

We showed that TRPV-expressing neurons are involved in the sensitivity to carrageenan-induced pain in male and female rats evaluated in the OPAD.

The Longitudinal Relationship between Jaw Catching/Locking and Pain

Orofacial pain and joint-related dysfunction can negatively affect daily jaw function. A common cause for limitations in jaw movements is joint-related dysfunction such as various forms of catching and locking. However, knowledge is limited regarding the development and natural course of joint-related jaw dysfunction and its relationship to the onset and course of orofacial pain. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the incidence, prevalence, and gender differences in jaw catching/locking over time and in relation to orofacial pain in the general population. Data from 3 validated screening questions on orofacial pain and jaw catching/locking were collected from all routine dental checkups in the Public Dental Health Services in Västerbotten, Sweden, from 2010 to 2017. Logistic generalized estimating equation was used to account for repeated observations and Poisson regression for incidence analysis. In total, 180,308 individuals (aged 5-104 y) were screened in 525,707 dental checkups. In 2010, based on 37,647 individuals, the prevalence of self-reported catching/locking was higher in women than in men (3.2% vs. 1.5%; odds ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-2.43), and this relationship and magnitude remained similar throughout the study period. The annual incidence rate was 1.1% in women and 0.5% in men. Women were at a higher risk than men for reporting both first onset (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.29; 95% CI, 2.11-2.49) and persistent (IRR, 2.31; 95% CI, 2.04-2.63) catching/locking. For the onset subcohort (n = 135,801), an independent onset of orofacial pain or jaw catching/locking exclusively was reported by 84.1%, whereas a concurrent onset was reported by 13.4%. Our findings of higher incidence, prevalence, and persistence in women than in men indicate that the gender differences seen for orofacial pain are evident also for jaw catching/locking. The findings also suggest independent onset of self-reported catching/locking and orofacial pain, which reinforces the pathophysiological differences between these conditions.

Efficacy of stabilisation splint and low-level laser therapy for patients with chronic closed lock from non-reducible displaced temporo-mandibular joint discs: A parallel randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Stabilisation splint therapy (SST) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are effective-invasive treatment for temporo-mandibular disorder (TMD) patients. However, the specific efficacy of each therapy in patients with chronic closed lock (CCL) from temporo-mandibular joints (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of SST and LLLT alone or in combination in patients with CCL from TMJ DDwoR.

METHODS

This parallel randomised clinical trial included 42 patients who were diagnosed with CCL from TMJ DDwoR. Patients were allocated equally and randomly into three treatment groups: group I received combined SST and LLLT, group II received LLLT and group III received SST. Maximum mouth opening (MMO), visual analogue scale (VAS), muscle and joint palpation scores and time required to achieve normal state were evaluated at baseline, 1, 2, 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Data were collected and analysed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

Regarding MMO and VAS, a statistically significant improvement was found between group I versus group II and versus group III at all evaluation times. Regarding muscle and joint palpation scores, a statistically significant difference was found between group I versus group III, while non-significant difference was found between group I and group II. A statistically significant faster improvement was found in group I versus group III and versus group II.

CONCLUSION

All treatment modalities can be effective in management of CCL from a TMJ DDwoR cases, but the combined SST and LLLT group seems to provide the best and quickest improvement.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05548894.

Rasch validation of the oral health impact profile for temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the metric properties of the Oral Health Impact Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders (OHIP-TMD) using Factor/Rasch analyses and created a short-form version of the measure.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Aggregated OHIP-TMD data were obtained from a cross-sectional study involving 844 TMD patients with diagnostic criteria for TMDs defined conditions. The dimensionality of the OHIP-TMD was first evaluated with exploratory factor analysis. An eigenvalue >1.0 and oblique oblimin rotation were applied for extracting the factors. Rasch analysis was subsequently performed on the primary dimension using the ConQuest software.

RESULTS

Multi-dimensionality of the OHIP-TMD was observed with the primary dimension comprising ten items. Adequate fit to the Rasch model was noted after deleting item 8 with infit/outfit mean-square values ranging from 0.75 to 1.40 logits. Item difficulty ranged from -0.75 to 1.05 logits, while participants' ability to respond varied from -4.55 to 5.19 logits. The respondent spread was slightly skewed and satisfactory item-response targeting was present.

CONCLUSIONS

The 22-item OHIP-TMD demonstrated multi-dimensionality with the primary dimension consisting of nine reliable items with adequate fit to the Rasch model. The 9-item short-form version of the OHIP-TMD (SOHIP-TMD) is a promising tool for evaluating OHRQoL.

Ozone for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) generate pain and difficulties for mouth opening affecting the patients' quality of life. Ozone is an emerging therapy that has been proposed as a potential treatment, due to that, the evidence about its efficacy should be reviewed. Therefore, this work aimed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review to address the efficacy of ozone therapy for the treatment of pain and limited mouth opening in patients with TMD. The design of the included studies was clinical trials and observational studies, whereas, a series of cases, in vivo, and in vitro studies were excluded. The search was performed in PubMed, ClinicalTrials, Web of Science, and Scopus. Gray literature was searched at Google Scholar. Relevant data of all included studies were recorded. The risk of bias (using RoB 2) and the quality (using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessments were carried out. Meta-analyses using random-effects models of pain and maximal mouth opening data were performed. This review included 8 studies with 404 participants suffering limited function and pain related to TMD. At the overall bias of the studies, 25% exhibited some concerns and 75% had high risk; and the quality of the studies was low. The analysis of the included studies suggests that ozone therapy can diminish pain and improve the maximal mouth opening in TMD patients. However, there is no conclusive evidence of ozone therapy as a superior treatment for TMD compared with occlusal splint and pharmacotherapy.

Nonlinear Relationship between Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement Distance and Disc Length: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis

Objective: to explore the association between the distance of disc displacement and disc morphology in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Methods: a total of 717 joints in 473 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of each patient was evaluated for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc morphology classification and position. The distance of the disc displacement and disc length were measured for smoothing spline prediction. A stratified analysis was performed based on the types of disc positions. The disc width and length-width ratio (L/W) were also measured. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, smoothing spline analysis, threshold analysis, and two piecewise linear regression were performed to investigate the association between the displacement distance and length of discs. Results: the differences in displacement distance among morphological categories and among different disc positions were statistically significant. Nonlinear relationships were found between distance and length in all subjects. Two turning points of distance (−1.8 mm and 1.7 mm) were found, dividing the curve into three segments. Disc width and L/W were significantly different among discs in the three segments of the curve. The correlation coefficient (β) for the three segments were as follows: −0.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.9 to −0.3, p < 0.001], 0.0 (95% CI = −0.1 to 0.0, p = 0.027), and −0.7 (95% CI = −0.8 to −0.7, p < 0.001). Nonlinear relationships were also found between the distance and length in cases with anterior disc displacement (ADD), anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR), and without reduction (ADDWoR). Conclusion: the turning points of the disc displacement distance may be considered as a potential reference value for high-risk disc deformation and ADD. Disc length decreases sharply with anterior disc displacement when the disc displacement distance is over 1.7 mm. Prospective and long-term studies are required to clarify the natural course of the disc at different stages of the regression curve.

Effectiveness of conservative therapeutic modalities for temporomandibular disorders-related pain: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative different therapeutic modalities for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed) database to identify the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between 2001 and 2021. The following, simple or multiple conjunctions, search keywords were selected: TMD pain, TMD management or conservative treatment or treatment strategies and TMD pain, therapeutic modalities or interventions and TMD. Studies included must have patients older than 18 years, with painful TMD, which diagnosis was performed by Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD or Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Outcome variables were pain relief and post treatment pain intensity reduction. Data were analysed with non-parametric tests and the level of significance was set at p<.05.

RESULTS

Out of 1599 articles obtained, 28 RCTs fulfilled all selection criteria and were included. The results of this study show that there was a significant decrease in short-term post-treatment TMD pain with the use of occlusal splint alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities when compared with the control group. Statistically significant differences were also detected between laser and photobiomodulation group and the control, in short-term treatment TMD-related pain.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary findings of the present systematic review showed that the occlusal splint alone or combined with other therapeutic intervention presented positive effect on short-term TMD pain reduction. Secondary outcome suggests that laser and photobiomodulation therapy had, also, a significant role in short term pain relief.

Factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life of patients with temporomandibular disorder at the final follow-up visit: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients at the final follow-up visit, and to investigate the associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 227 TMD patients. Dependent variable was OHRQoL determined by telephone interview using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire after the final follow-up visit. Independent variables were collected from dental records, comprising age, sex, treatment duration, diagnosis, clinical parameters (mouth-opening distances), and pain perception. TMD patients were diagnosed as having masticatory muscle disorders (TMDM), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMDJ), or combined muscle and TMJ disorders (TMDC). Bivariate analyses and multivariable linear regression were used to analyze the factors associated with OHIP-14 scores.

RESULTS

Bivariate analyses demonstrated higher OHIP-14 scores in younger patients, females, having TMDC, and lower mouth-opening distance. Multivariable analysis demonstrated the association of higher OHIP-14 scores with being younger and having TMDC. Participants with TMDC demonstrated greater improvement in unassisted mouth-opening distance, compared with the other clinical diagnosis groups.

CONCLUSIONS

At the final follow-up visit, oral health impact problems were reported mainly in physical pain and psychological discomfort domains. Better OHRQoL was found in older, and TMDM or TMDJ patients.

Comparison of symptoms, signs, gender, and magnetic resonance images of temporomandibular joint disorder patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare patients' complaints, clinician's examination findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings by considering gender.

METHODS

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, difficulty in mouth opening, masseter tenderness, deviation, clicking sound, bruxism, restriction, normal occlusion and normal mouth opening symptoms, and findings of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients who came to the author's outpatient clinic were recorded. These recordings were compared with MRI.

RESULTS

In the study, symptoms, signs, and MRIs of 276 TMD patients were analyzed, including gender. No difference was observed in terms of symptoms, signs, or MRI results for either gender. MRI findings were correlated with restriction and normal mouth opening in both groups (p < 0.05). Normal MRI findings were observed in 52.5% of the MRI results.

CONCLUSION

Except for normal mouth opening and limitation, MRI findings did not provide a significant result. Therefore, careful detection of symptoms and signs rather than MRI helps in diagnosis.

NMDARs mediate peripheral and central sensitization contributing to chronic orofacial pain

Peripheral and central sensitizations of the trigeminal nervous system are the main mechanisms to promote the development and maintenance of chronic orofacial pain characterized by allodynia, hyperalgesia, and ectopic pain after trigeminal nerve injury or inflammation. Although the pathomechanisms of chronic orofacial pain are complex and not well known, sufficient clinical and preclinical evidence supports the contribution of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs, a subclass of ionotropic glutamate receptors) to the trigeminal nociceptive signal processing pathway under various pathological conditions. NMDARs not only have been implicated as a potential mediator of pain-related neuroplasticity in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) but also mediate excitatory synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we focus on the pivotal roles and mechanisms of NMDARs in the trigeminal nervous system under orofacial neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In particular, we summarize the types, components, and distribution of NMDARs in the trigeminal nervous system. Besides, we discuss the regulatory roles of neuron-nonneuronal cell/neuron-neuron communication mediated by NMDARs in the peripheral mechanisms of chronic orofacial pain following neuropathic injury and inflammation. Furthermore, we review the functional roles and mechanisms of NMDARs in the ascending and descending circuits under orofacial neuropathic and inflammatory pain conditions, which contribute to the central sensitization. These findings are not only relevant to understanding the underlying mechanisms, but also shed new light on the targeted therapy of chronic orofacial pain.

Evaluation of the effect of T-Scan™ as an adjunct to stabilization splint in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of the stabilization splint (SS) combined with the T-Scan™ III system in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) with myofascial pain.

METHODS

Forty-eight enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the SS group or T-Scan™-guided SS group. Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), Maximum Comfortable Opening (MCO), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used as the outcome variables.

RESULTS

The occlusal contacts of patients in the SS plus T-Scan™ group showed lower Occlusal Time (OT), Disocclusion Time (DT), and Asymmetry Index of Occlusal Force (AOF) after occlusal adjustment under the guidance of the T-Scan™. Importantly, the TMD symptoms were alleviated more obviously in SS plus T-Scan™ group, with better scores for MCO and MFIQ.

CONCLUSION

T-Scan™-guided occlusal adjustment of SS can obtain better OT, DT, and AOF, which furthers improvement of the therapeutic effects on TMD with myofascial pain.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on pain and oral health-related quality of life in women with temporomandibular disorder

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate and compare pain intensity and Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in women with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) before (T1) and during (T2) COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

Sample was composed of forty-one female participants with painful TMD, who presented for TMD treatment. Subjects were asked to indicate their pain intensity and to answer the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Participants data were collected twice: T1 (evaluation of medical records fulfilled before COVID-19 pandemic) and T2 (by means of an online form). Socio-demographic data were assessed in T1. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 5% (Wilcoxon, chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, multiple linear regressions).

Results:

No difference was found in pain intensity (p=0.26) and OHIP-14 global scores (p=0.53). Physical pain (p=0.03) and social disability (p=0.05) domains improved. In T1, subject’s occupation was associated with OHIP-14 global score, physical pain, and physical disability domains. In T2, age was associated with OHIP-14 global scores as well as physical pain, psychological discomfort, and psychological disability domains.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 pandemic did not worsen pain intensity and OHRQoL in women with painful TMD, and it is suggested that socio-demographic characteristics influenced TMD patients coping skills during pandemic.

Intra- and inter-examination reproducibility of T2 mapping for temporomandibular joint assessment at 3.0 T

T2 mapping allows quantification of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ultrastructural degeneration. The study aimed to assess intra- and inter-examination reproducibility of T2 mapping for TMJ evaluation at 3.0 Tesla (T). Seventeen volunteers, regardless of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) diagnosis, received magnetic resonance (MR) examination at 3.0 T. T2 mapping was performed twice (> 5 min between sessions without repositioning) on 12 volunteers to ensure intra-examination reproducibility. Nine volunteers underwent two examinations (> 6 months) to ensure inter-examination reproducibility. The regions of interest (ROIs) of the articular disc and retrodiscal tissue were manually selected and calculated. The mean T2 values of the articular disc and retrodiscal tissue were 25.3 ± 3.0 and 30.0 ± 4.1 ms, respectively. T2 mapping showed excellent intra-examination intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for both articular disc (0.923) and retrodiscal tissue (0.951). Very strong correlations (r) were observed in both articular disc (0.928) and retrodiscal tissue (0.953) (P < .001). Inter-examination reproducibility also demonstrated that the ICCs were excellent (0.918, 0.935) on both ROIs. T2 values between first and second examinations were strongly correlated (r = 0.921, 0.939) (P < .001). In conclusion, T2 mapping seems to be a promising tool for TMJ assessment, regardless of the TMJ condition.

Long term oral health related quality of life after TMJ arthrocentesis with hyaluronic acid. A retrospective cohort study

The purpose of the study was to assess the long-term oral health-related quality of life (oQoL) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) after TMJ arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid (HA). Patients were analysed at different follow-up times using an analytical observational design. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score was evaluated according to age, sex, disc position, presence of degenerative joint disease (DJD), joint pain, maximum mouth opening and follow-up time. A total of 60 participants were enrolled, 88% female, with a mean age of 38 years (SD = 13.48). In an average follow-up of 25.02 months (SD = 5.32), the OHIP-14 total score decreased 8.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.21 to -6.11) after the intervention (Cohen's d = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.64). All OHIP-14 domain scores decreased (p < 0.05) except for the Functional limitation domain (p = 0.378). The oQoL after the intervention worsened in female patients (p = 0.039) and with a higher level of pain at baseline (p = 0.002). Self-perceived QoL improvement should be considered stable long term after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis plus HA, regardless of concurrence with DJD or ID subtype. QoL should be used as clinical assessment measure of ID patients, with special attention to those with higher levels of pain.

Oral health-related quality of life and psychological states of dental students with temporomandibular disorders

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in dental students, and evaluates the association between TMDs, psychological states, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The presence of bruxism was also determined.

METHODS

Two hundred ninety-three dental students completed the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) questionnaires and underwent a clinical examination according to Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs.

RESULTS

TMDs were detected in 46.4% of the dental students. OHIP-14 scores of students with TMDs were significantly higher than scores for students without TMDs (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in all SCL-90-R scores among students with and without TMDs, except for phobic anxiety and additional SCL-90-R subscale scores (p < 0.05). The prevalence of myalgia was significantly higher in clinical students (26.6%) than in preclinical students (15.6%). OHIP-14 scores of clinical students were significantly higher than preclinical students (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In dental students, there was a high frequency of TMDs and bruxism. OHRQoL was poorer in clinical students. Levels of anxiety, depression, and somatization were not different in clinical and preclinical students. SCL-90-R scores are higher in students with TMDs except for phobic anxiety and additional SCL-90-R subscale scores.

Predictors for patient satisfaction of a single intra-articular injection of crosslinked hyaluronic acid combined with mannitol (HANOX-M-XL) in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Results of a prospective open-label pilot study (HAPPYMINI-ARTEMIS trial)

Background

Chronic pain and functional impairment interfere with the quality of life of subjects suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have been shown to alleviate pain and improve mandibular mobility in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis (OA).

Objectives

The primary aim of the study was to identify the prognostic factors of patient satisfaction for a single IA injection of a mannitol-modified crosslinked HA (HANOX-M-XL) in patients with TMJ-OA. The second goal was to obtain clinical data on effectiveness, safety and mandibular mobility throughout a six-month follow-up period.

Patients and methods

This was an observational single-arm prospective trial with a six-month follow-up. Inclusion criteria: patients with TMJ-OA which is not relieved by analgesics and/or non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs and/or orthotics, with radiological evidence of TMJ-OA. All patients received a single IA injection of 1 ml HANOX-M-XL in the target TMJ. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction on day 180. The main secondary outcome measures were pain variation on a 11-point numeric scale (0–11) between the date of injection and month six, the variation over time of the Maximum Inter-Incisal Opening Distance (MIIOD) and the patient’s assessment of effectiveness. Predictive factors of success or failure were also studied. All adverse events were recorded.

Results

36 subjects (mean age 55.3 years, mean disease duration 98 months), covering a total of 52 injected TMJs, were included. Between baseline and endpoint, the average pain while chewing decreased dramatically from 6.9 ± 1.2 to 2.9 ± 1.3 (p < 0.0001) and the MIIOD increased from 29 ± 7 to 35 ± 5 mm (p < 0.01). On day 180, all patients were satisfied with the treatment, with 34 patients (94%) rating it as highly effective or effective. Tolerability was good in all but one patient. In the multivariate analysis, patient satisfaction on day 180 was highly correlated with the pain while chewing score, pain on palpation score and the decrease of pain over time (all p < 0.0001) but not with MIIOD, gender, age, bruxism, articular noise and symptom duration. Previous viscosupplementation was also related to higher satisfaction (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite a long history of pain, most of the patients with symptomatic TMJ-OA benefited from a single injection of HANOX-M-XL, as shown by the sustained (up to 6 months) decrease in pain and improvement in mandibular mobility, with no safety concerns.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05352-3.

Activation of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus Contributes to Masseter Hyperactivity Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress

Psychological stress is commonly accepted to be closely associated with masticatory muscle disorder, which is the main symptom of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Previous studies have confirmed that exposure to stress may cause masticatory muscle hyperactivity. However, the central mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. The mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Vme), which resides in the brainstem, is the primary afferent center for masticatory proprioception and plays a key role in oral–motor movements by projecting to the trigeminal motor nucleus (Vmo). Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the role of Vme neurons in masseter overactivity induced by chronic stress. We found that subjecting mice to restraint stress (6 h/day) for 14 days caused significant anxiety-like behavior, obvious masseter overactivity, and markedly enhanced electrophysiological excitability of Vme neurons. By using anterograde tract tracing combined with immunofluorescence staining methods, we observed vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1)-positive glutamatergic projections from the Vme to the Vmo. Moreover, chronic restraint stress (CRS) elevated the expression of VGLUT1 and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in Vmo. Furthermore, administration of VGLUT1-targeted short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into the bilateral Vme significantly suppressed the enhanced overexcitability of Vme neurons, downregulated the overexpression of VGLUT1 and ChAT in the Vmo, and attenuated the elevated overactivity of the masseter caused by CRS. Taken together, we showed that CRS can excite neurons in the Vme, enhancing glutamatergic excitatory projections from the Vme to the Vmo and resulting in masseter muscle overactivity. These findings provide us with a novel central mechanism underlying the correlation between psychological factors and TMD.

Psychometric properties of the Malay Fonseca Anamnestic Index for temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE

This study translated/cross-culturally adapted the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) into Malay and psychometrically tested the Malay-FAI (FAI-M).

METHODS

The FAI-M was created according to international guidelines. Internal consistency/test-retest reliability were assessed with Cronbach's alpha/intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients. Construct and convergent validity were appraised by relating the FAI-M to the Global Oral Health (GOH) questionnaire and Short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (S-OHIP) using Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman's rho correlation (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Of the 243 participants enrolled, 54.7% (n = 133) had no TMDs, while TMDs were present in 45.3% (n = 110). The FAI-M presented very good internal consistency (α = 0.90) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99). Theoretically predicted FAI-M score patterns matched the GOH categories, and strong correlations were discerned between FAI-M and S-OHIP (rs = 0.71).

CONCLUSION

The FAI-M exhibited good psychometric properties and can be applied in Malay-speaking populations.

Does anxiety have an impact on temporomandibular disorders? A study in a Turkish sample by using specific questionnaires

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to verify the impact of anxiety on temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by using specific questionnaires in a Turkish sample.

METHODS

This survey was conducted on 292 patients with a mean age of 38.59 ± 10.38 using Helkimo index, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Spearman Correlation and Fisher Freeman Halton analyses were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the Helkimo anamnestic dysfunction (HAD) levels in terms of OHIP-14 total scores or STAI state scores. There was, however, a statistically positive correlation between STAI state and OHIP-14 total values at 18.4%, a positive correlation between the STAI trait and OHIP-14 total values at 29.8%.

CONCLUSION

No significant correlation was observed between OHIP-14 total scores, STAI state scores, and HAD levels. Therefore, this study did not find a significant relationship between TMDs and anxiety.

Clustering profiles of demographic and clinical characteristics and the oral health impact of individuals with temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE

To identify profiles of demographic, clinical, and oral health impact characteristics of individuals with temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

METHODS

Four hundred ninety-six TMD patients (260 females) and 30 young controls were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) data were gathered and analyzed by Cluster, ANOVA, and regression analyses.

RESULTS

Three clusters were identified: "Pain and depression symptoms" with participants with higher pain, depression, and OHIP-14 scores (59% females); "Chronic diseases" included older participants with current chronic diseases and medical treatment; "Healthier individuals" included younger individuals with lower chronic diseases, pain, and depression frequencies, whose OHIP-14 scores did not differ from controls (p = 0.079). OHIP-14 scores were predicted by age, pain, and depression.

CONCLUSION

Distinct profiles of individuals with TMD were identified, emphasizing the complex interactions between coping ability, general health, and psychosocial aspects that must be monitored.

A 10-year overview of chronic orofacial pain in patients at an oral medicine center in Iran

Background

Orofacial pain is defined as pain felt in the soft or hard tissues of the head, face, mouth, and neck. Chronic orofacial pain is often challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat. Due to the lack of available information about the prevalence and clinical form of orofacial pain, this study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of chronic orofacial pain in patients presenting at the Department of Oral Medicine of Shahid Beheshti Dental School between 2012 and 2022.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the files of 121 patients at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases of Shahid Beheshti Dental School, which were completed during 2012–2022. We extracted the required information from these files.

Results

In total, 121 files were included in the study (30 male, 91 female). The mean age of the patients was 43.68 ± 16.79 years. The most common diagnosis in patients with chronic orofacial pain was temporomandibular disorders (TMD) (55.3%). Among pain-related factors, psychological factors showed the highest frequency (30.5%). Opening and closing (43.8%) had the highest frequency among factors that increased pain, and the rest (6.6%) had the highest frequency among the factors that reduced pain. Most patients experienced unilateral pain over the masseter area. Most patients reported their pain intensity to be greater than 7 in the verbal analog scale (VAS). The most common symptom associated with pain was joint noise (37.1%).

Conclusion

A ten-year retrospective evaluation of patient files showed that more than half of the patients with chronic orofacial pain had TMD.

Oral health-related quality of life in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis is associated with periodontal inflammation and painful temporomandibular disorders: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) patients and individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to healthy controls, and to explore possible associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty ERA patients, 50 at-risk individuals, and 50 age and gender matched healthy controls were recruited. OHRQoL (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14)); number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT); denture use; periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA); xerostomia (xerostomia inventory (XI)); and possible TMD (-pain) diagnoses were recorded. The groups were compared on these variables. Subsequently, backward multiple regression analyses were performed for the ERA and at-risk groups, with OHRQoL as the dependent variable and gender, age, DMFT, denture use, PISA, XI, non-painful TMD, and TMD pain as independent variables.

RESULTS

At-risk individuals had higher XI scores (U = 789.5, z = -3.181, p = 0.001, r = -0.32) and higher prevalence of TMD pain (p = 0.046, OR = 4.57; 95% CI 0.92-22.73) than healthy controls and higher OHIP-14 scores than the ERA group (U = 894.5, z = -2.418, p = 0.016, r = -0.24), while no difference in OHIP-14 was found between the control group and both other groups. For ERA patients, OHRQoL was associated with PISA and TMD pain (R2 = 0.498, p < 0.001). For at-risk individuals, OHRQoL was associated with XI score (R2 = 0.410, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Alertness of health professionals to TMD pain and periodontal inflammation in ERA patients and to xerostomia and TMD pain in at-risk individuals is recommended.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results of this study address orofacial aspects that require attention of health professionals in the timeframe around RA onset.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch National Trial Register (NTR, NTR6362).

Effects of Prosthetic Rehabilitation on Temporomandibular Disorders: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Loss of teeth or occlusal imbalance is one of the proposed dental risk factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Losing some non–free-end teeth cause the original occluding tooth/teeth to supraerupt from the original upright position and causes neighboring tooth/teeth to shift in an angle, causing biomechanical imbalance on the mandible. Based on these sequelae, rehabilitation of missing teeth is the first step in managing TMD in edentulous patients. Even though the prevalence of TMD in association with edentulism and in rehabilitated patients has been increasing, proper guidelines for the management of such cases have not been established. This study describes the protocol to analyze the effect of prosthetic rehabilitation on patients with TMD.

Objective

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of prosthetic rehabilitation in the reduction of pain in edentulous patients with TMD and to determine the effect of the span of edentulism, the number of quadrants involved, pathological migration, the type of Kennedy classification, and the prosthetic status on temporomandibular joint dysfunction signs and symptoms.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 300 patients diagnosed with TMD will be grouped into one of the three interventional groups based on the type of their edentulous state. The interventional groups are (1) partially edentulous arch: Kennedy Class I and II (prosthetic rehabilitation without splint); (2) partially edentulous arch: Kennedy Class III and IV (prosthetic rehabilitation with a splint); and (3) completely edentulous arches (prosthetic rehabilitation without splint). All three of the mentioned interventional groups have corresponding control groups that will receive symptomatic treatment and comprehensive counseling. The measured primary outcomes are pain and electromyogram, and the secondary outcomes include pain drawing, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale, Oral Behaviours Checklist, depression, physical symptoms, and anxiety. The outcome measurements will be recorded at baseline and at the end of 24 hours, 7 days, 28 days, and 3 months.

Results

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India. Study participants’ recruitment began in May 2021 and is expected to conclude in March 2023. This clinical trial protocol was developed based on the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) 2013 Statement.

Conclusions

The purpose of this study is to gather data on prosthetic rehabilitation as a treatment for TMD. Obtaining this goal will aid in the development of evidence-based therapy protocols for prosthetic rehabilitation in TMD management.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trials Registry - India CTRI/2020/06/026169; http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=42381

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/33104

Frequency of Four-dimensional Oral Health Problems across Dental Fields - a Comparative Survey of Slovenian and International Dentists

Objectives

To compare the frequency of patients’ oral health problems and prevention needs among Slovenian and international dentists with the aim to validate the four oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) dimensions across six clinical dental fields in all World Health Organization (WHO) regions.

Methods

An anonymous electronic survey in the English language was designed using Qualtrics software. A probability sampling for Slovenia and a convenience sampling strategy for dentist recruitment was applied for 31 countries. Dentists engaged in six dental fields were asked to categorize their patients’ oral health problems and prevention needs into the four OHRQoL dimensions (Oral Function, Orofacial Pain, Orofacial Appearance, and Psychosocial Impact). Proportions of patients’ problems and prevention needs were calculated together with the significance of Slovenian and international dentists’ differences based on dental fields and WHO regions.

Results

Dentists (n=1,580) from 32 countries completed the survey. There were 223 Slovenian dentists (females: 68%) with a mean age (SD) of 41 (10.6) years and 1,358 international dentists (females: 51%) with a mean age (SD) of 38 (10.4). Pain-related problems and prevention needs were the most prevalent among all six dental fields reported by dentists; Slovenian (37%) and 31 countries (45%). According to Cohen, differences between Slovenia, the broader European Region, and 31 countries were considered non-significant (<0.1).

Conclusion

According to the dentists’ responses, the frequency of patients’ oral health problems and prevention needs are proportionate between Slovenia and 31 countries, regionally and globally. The four OHRQoL dimensions can be considered universal across all dental fields.

Jaw-neck motor strategy during jaw-opening with resistance load

BACKGROUND

The jaw and neck motor systems have a close functional integration but the effect of resistance load to the mandible during jaw opening on the jaw-neck integration is not known.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of resistance load compared to no load on integrated jaw and neck motor function in individuals free from pain and dysfunction in the jaw and neck regions.

METHODS

Jaw and head movements during continuous jaw opening were recorded with an optoelectronic system (MacReflex^® ) in 26 pain-free individuals (14 women, 12 men, mean age 22 years). Jaw opening was performed with and without resistance load (1600 g) to the mandible. The relationship between jaw movement amplitude, head movement amplitude, head/jaw ratio (quotient of head and jaw movement amplitude) and resistance load were modelled using linear mixed-model analysis. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The expected head/jaw ratio mean was increased by 0.05 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.08, p < .001) with resistance load as compared to no load. This corresponds to an increase in expected mean by 55.6%. With resistance load, expected mean head movement amplitude increased by 1.4 mm (95% CI: 0.2, 2.5, p = .018), and expected mean jaw movement amplitude decreased by 3.7 mm (95% CI: -7.0, -0.5, p = .025).

CONCLUSION

There is a compensation and adaptation of integrated jaw-neck motor function with an altered jaw-neck motor strategy during jaw opening with resistance load compared to no load. The head/jaw ratio demonstrates increased proportional involvement of the neck during increased load on the jaw system.

Functional, physical and psychosocial impact of degenerative temporomandibular joint disease

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the functional, physical and psychosocial impacts of TMJ degenerative joint disease (DJD). The bearing of TMJ osteoarthrosis/osteoarthritis and early/late TMJ DJD on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were also compared.

METHODS

Participants were enrolled from a TMD/oro-facial pain centre. Those diagnosed with intra-articular conditions based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) were subjected to CBCT assessment and categorised into four discrete groups: NN-no TMJ DJD and no arthralgia; NA-no TMJ DJD with arthralgia; TO-TMJ osteoarthrosis; and TR-TMJ osteoarthritis. The TO/TR groups were subdivided into early/late TMJ osteoarthrosis (EO/LO) and osteoarthritis (ER/LR). OHRQoL was examined using the OHIP-TMD, and data were appraised with the Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The study participant (n = 358) had a mean age of 31.85 ± 12.39 years (85.6% women). Frequencies of the TMD groups were as follows: NN-23.2%; NA-27.1%; TO-19.0%; and TR-30.7%. Participants with TR/NA had significantly worse OHRQoL than those with TO/NN. Additionally, participants with ER/LR reported significantly poorer OHRQoL than their counterparts with EO/LO. For all TMD groups and TMJ DJD subgroups, the psychological discomfort domain was generally the most impaired. Differences in global OHIP scores were significant between participants with and without arthralgia (i.e., NA-NN, ER-EO and LR-LO).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of TMJ pain appeared to impair OHRQoL more than the severity of TMJ DJD. As psychological domains were most impacted, psychosocial care should be incorporated when managing patients with painful TMJ DJD.

Oral health-related quality of life of patients with acute and chronic temporomandibular disorder diagnostic subtypes

BACKGROUND

Studies have indicated the negative effects of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The authors investigated the OHRQoL of patients with acute and chronic TMD subtypes.

METHODS

The authors recruited a total of 830 patients. They derived TMD diagnoses using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs protocol involving symptom history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging as indicated. The authors categorized patients into acute (≤ 3 months) or chronic (> 3 months) pain-related TMD (PT), nonpainful intra-articular TMD (IT), and combined TMD (CT) groups. They also gathered sociodemographic information and assessed OHRQoL with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-TMDs. The authors evaluated data using 2-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni test and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Patients in the chronic PT and CT subgroups had significantly higher mean global OHIP scores than their acute counterparts. The authors observed significant acute-chronic differences in OHIP-TMDs domain scores in 5 and 2 domains for the PT and CT groups, respectively. Patients in the acute IT group had significantly higher functional limitation scores than those in the chronic IT group. The ranking of mean global scores, in descending order was CT, PT, and IT for acute TMDs and PT, CT, and IT for chronic TMDs, with significant differences observed among the 3 TMD subtypes (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both TMD chronicity and subtypes influenced OHRQoL. Painful TMDs (PT and CT) were associated with significantly poorer OHRQoL than nonpainful TMDs. TMD chronicity appeared to affect OHRQoL only for the painful TMD conditions. Future work on the impact of TMDs on OHRQoL should strive to stratify patients by TMD chronicity and subtypes.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

TMD chronicity and subtypes influence the impact of TMDs on OHRQoL. Given that chronic painful TMDs impair quality of life, early biopsychosocial intervention of acute TMD pain is important for minimizing chronification and OHRQoL deterioration.

Exploration of MRI T2 Mapping Image Application in Articular Disc Displacement of the Temporomandibular Joint in Adolescents

Purpose

To explore the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping technique in clinical practice through morphological and quantitative analysis of T2 mapping sequences in adolescents with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and control groups comprising healthy participants.

Patients and Methods

A total of 45 and 63 patients, who had articular disc displacement with and without reduction, respectively, were assigned to the experimental groups, and 57 participants with normal articular discs of the temporomandibular joint were considered as the control group. All participants in the three groups underwent MRI. T2 mapping was performed in the oblique sagittal plane. The regions of interest (ROIs) for the T2 relaxation time maps of the disc were selected manually. The performance of morphological and structural changes and quantitative parameters in MRI T2 mapping image artifacts were statistically compared.

Results

In the control group, the mean T2 value was 39.284 ±5.634 ms, in the group of disc displacement with reduction, the mean T2 value was 33.634 ±4.235 ms, and in the group of disc displacement without reduction, the mean T2 value was 30.982 ±3.205 ms. The T2 mapping values of the experimental groups, together with different morphological structures, were significantly lower than were those of the control group.

Conclusion

MRI T2 mapping enables a more accurate evaluation of TMD severity. Sequentially, it helps provide a more reliable medical imaging basis for classifying diagnosis and evaluation in clinical practice.

MRI of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a prevalent disease covering pain and dysfunction of temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles, which can be detrimental to quality of life. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful and noninvasive tool for the imaging and understanding of TMD. With the recent technical development of dynamic and quantitative MRI techniques, including diffusion-weighted imaging, T₂ mapping, and ultrashort/zero echo time, it is now feasible in TMD imaging and has been preliminarily investigated with promising results. In this review we will discuss the recent advances of MRI techniques in TMD and its future directions, and hope to highlight the scientific potential and clinical value of novel MRI techniques in diagnosing and treating TMD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in patients with masticatory muscle pain

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Although psychological disorders have been established as one of the etiological factors for temporomandibular disorders, anxiety levels in individuals with masticatory muscle pain before and during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not previously been compared.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate anxiety levels in patients with masticatory muscle pain at times before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty patients (18 to 68 years) with masticatory muscle pain were included in the study. All participants had completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 questionnaire (GAD-7) before the first COVID-19 infection had been reported in Turkey. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all participants were contacted by telephone to repeat the GAD-7 to evaluate changes in their psychology during the first lockdown. However, 18 of the 80 patients were unreachable. A statistical analysis was performed by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Proportion comparisons between sociodemographic characteristics and GAD-7 levels were performed by using the Fisher exact test (α=.05).

RESULTS

Forty-eight (60%) of the study population were women, and 32 (40%) were men, with a mean age ±standard deviation of 36.63 ±13.85 years. Both before and during the pandemic, GAD-7 scores were statistically similar as was each demographic parameter, including sex, educational status, and occupational status (P>.05). Also, no significant correlation was recorded between age and GAD-7 global scores obtained before and during the pandemic (r=-0.098 and r=-0.052, respectively, P>.05). However, during-pandemic GAD-7 scores were statistically higher than before-pandemic GAD-7 scores (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic parameters had no connection with anxiety levels in patients with masticatory muscle pain before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic anxiety levels in the participants were higher than the levels before the pandemic.

Do preterm-born adolescents have a poorer oral health-related quality of life?

Background

To evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) over a period of five years using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire in a population of Swedish adolescents born preterm and full term.

Methods

In a longitudinal study of adolescents aged 12–14 and 17–19, changes over time in OHRQoL were measured by using OHIP-14. The OHIP-14 score, self-reported chronic illness, temporomandibular disorder (TMD pain) and subjective orthodontic treatment need were compared between 98 extremely and very preterm born (< 32 gestational week) and 93 full-term controls (≥ 37 gestational week) at two ages. The chi-square test was used for comparisons within the extremely-, very-, and full-term control groups, and to contrast the differences of mean scores of OHIP-14, the ANOVA test was used for comparisons within the study groups of extremely preterm, very preterm and full term-born adolescents.

Results

All adolescents reported a good self-perceived OHRQoL. No significant differences in the comparisons of the total mean scores were revealed between the groups, between gender or in domain-specific scores over the 5-year period. Very preterm adolescents with reported chronic illness at 12–14 years of age showed significantly higher mean scores of OHIP-14 compared with those without chronic illness (p = 0.015). At age 17–19, significantly higher mean scores of OHIP-14 were reported by very preterm adolescents with TMD pain compared to those without TMD pain (p = 0.024). Significantly higher mean scores of OHIP-14 were found among the extremely preterm (p = 0.011) and very preterm born adolescents (p = 0.031) with a subjective need of orthodontic treatment compared with those without orthodontic treatment need.

Conclusions

Poor OHRQoL measured with OHIP-14 in very preterm adolescents aged 12–14 was related to chronic illness and aged 17–19 to TMD pain. In addition, extremely and very preterm-born adolescents with subjective orthodontic treatment need at 17–19 years of age also reported poor OHRQoL. To improve the dentist–patient relationship and achieve more successful treatment results, it is important for dental clinicians to understand the impact that chronic illness, TMD pain and orthodontic treatment need has on OHRQoL in preterm-born adolescents.

Temporomandibular dysfunction experience is associated with oral health-related quality of life: an Australian national study

Background

There are very few studies of the association between temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a representative sample from the Asia–Pacific region. Accordingly, we aimed to quantify the association of TMD with OHRQoL dimensions and overall measurement scores in a representative sample of Australian adults while accounting for a range of confounders, and statistically estimating whether TMD experience is meaningfully associated with OHRQoL.

Method

Australia’s National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004–2006 data were used. The outcome variables were the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) domains and overall scores while the main exposure was self-reported Diagnostic Criteria Question for TMD. The analysis accounted for confounders including oral health status obtained from the oral examination, demographics, socioeconomics, health behaviours and health including perceived stress subscales of the PSS-14. We conducted complex samples analysis while using Cohen’s f² effect size to estimate whether the association is meaningful.

Results

TMD prevalence was 9.9% (95% CI: 8.4–11.6%) among 4133 Australian adults. TMD experience was associated with impairments to the seven OHIP-14 OHRQoL domains (P < .05) with higher impairments observed in physical pain (B = 0.82, 95% CI: .45–1.20, P < .001), psychological discomfort (B = 0.68, 95% CI: .29–1.06, P = .001) and psychological disability (B = 0.52, 95% CI: .20–.84, P = .001) in adjusted multivariate analyses. The difference in the mean OHIP-14 scores for those reporting TMD (Mean = 13.1, 95% CI: 12.0–14.0) and those who did not (Mean = 6.6, 95% CI: 6.0–6.8) was significant (t = 7.51, P < .001). In an adjusted multivariable model for OHIP-14 scores, TMD experience was associated with higher OHIP-14 scores (B = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.94–4.75, P < .001) where the Cohen’s f² was .022. Further, perceived stress subscales: perceived distress and perceived control were associated with TMD experience and OHIP-14 scores (P < .05).

Conclusion

Lower OHRQoL was observed in Australian adults who reported TMD experience but with small clinical importance which might support considering TMD in regular dental care. The higher impairments observed in physical pain, psychological discomfort and psychological disability domains of OHRQL can help clinicians and researchers focus their attention on these domains. The confounding effect exhibited by the perceived stress subscale might support their inclusion in future TMD and OHRQoL research.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-021-01773-z.

Corticosteroid injections in the temporomandibular joint temporarily alleviate pain and improve function in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of corticosteroid injections in the painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in relation to systemic inflammatory activity.

METHOD

Examination of 35 patients (median age 54 years; 89% female) included maximum mouth opening capacity, degree of anterior open bite (AOB), TMJ pain intensity at rest, and crepitus. Serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), serotonin, and plasma levels of interleukine-1β (IL-1β) were determined. Out of the 70 examined joints, 53 joints received a corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) injection after the clinical examination at baseline (T0). The examination was repeated for all patients at T1 (median 3.1 weeks after T0), and for 21 patients at T2 (median 6.3 weeks after T1), of whom 20 patients received a second injection at T1.

RESULTS

Maximum mouth opening capacity significantly increased, and TMJ pain intensity significantly decreased between T0 and T1, but these improvements were no longer present at T2. No differences were found in AOB between the time points. Of the joints that received an injection at T0, 19 joints had pretreatment crepitus, which resolved in eight joints at T1. No correlations were found between the change in mouth opening capacity or TMJ pain intensity and ESR, CRP, serotonin, or IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

Methylprednisolone injections in the TMJ alleviate pain and improve mouth opening capacity for approximately 3 weeks, allowing patients to perform jaw exercises during this timeframe of temporary relief. It thus seems useful for the short-term management of TMJ involvement in RA. Key Points • In rheumatoid arthritis, corticosteroid injection in the temporomandibular joint alleviates pain and improves function. • The clinical improvement achieved with methylprednisolone injections lasts for approximately 3 weeks. • Corticosteroid injections could be used to facilitate and support additional noninvasive, conservative treatment options.