Age and Gender, but Not Pain are Associated with Pressure Pain Thresholds in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore the association of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) with age, gender, and pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Patients and Methods A total of 301 TMD patients (248 female and 53 male) were recruited and classified into the high and low age groups according to their median age of 26 years. Patients’ demographics, pain-related variables, TMD-related variables, and PPTs of both left and right temporomandibular joints (TMJs), masseter, and temporalis were collected. Results Pain duration and visual analog scale of pain (VAS) showed no significant correlations with PPTs ( P >0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive association of PPTs of all six sites with males (β=0.41–0.72 kg·cm −2 , 95% CI (0.19–0.38, 0.74–0.99), P <0.001), as well as with the high age group [β=0.28–0.36 kg·cm −2 , 95% CI (0.07–0.20, 0.47–0.53), P <0.020]. Furthermore, PPTs of the left TMJ showed a significant negative association with left pain-related TMD (PT) [β=−0.21 kg·cm −2 , 95% CI (−0.38, −0.04), P =0.026], but PPTs of the remaining sites did not show a significant association with PT ( P >0.05). Stratified analysis showed that PPTs in females were associated with the high age group [β=0.25–0.37 kg·cm −2 , 95% CI (0.04–0.20, 0.45–0.56), P <0.020] and that PPT of the left TMJ was associated with left PT [β=−0.21 kg·cm −2 , 95% CI (−0.39, −0.03), P =0.043]. The remaining PPTs did not show a significant association with PT ( P >0.05). In males, PPTs did not show significant correlations with age, PT and VAS ( P >0.05). Conclusion PPTs in the orofacial region are associated with gender and age in TMD patients. Pain duration and intensity show no significant correlations with PPTs in TMD patients. Researchers and dentists should take age and gender into account when using PPTs as auxiliary diagnostic indicators for PT.

Sociodemographic Profile: A Forgotten Factor in Temporomandibular Disorders? A Scoping Review

“…This heightened prevalence may be linked to hormonal fluctuations, psychosocial stress, and an increased vulnerability to injury or trauma during this life stage. 8,[46][47][48] With aging, structural changes occur in the joints and surrounding tissues. Wear on joint cartilage, bone remodeling, and tissue degeneration can impact the function and stability of the TMJ, potentially contributing to TMDs such as disc displacement, as noted in Velly et al case-control study.…”