Comparative Analysis of Salivary Cortisol in Young Adult Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the causative factors related to the stress of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) by evaluating salivary cortisol concentration in young adult TMD patients and control groups.Methods: Methods: Saliva was obtained from 32 young adult TMDs patients and 34 control patients without a history of TMDs who visited Chosun University Dental Hospital between June 1 and August 31, 2021. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to measure the salivary cortisol concentration. Results: Results:The salivary cortisol concentration in the TMD patient group and the control group differed significant significantly (p<0.05). The salivary cortisol concentration according to the duration of the clinical symptom of TMD differed significantly difference between the two groups in the male. The salivary cortisol concentration according to perceived stress level differed significantly in the mild and moderate groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in salivary cortisol concentration between the two groups related to bruxism or clenching (p>0.05). Conclusions: Conclusions:The salivary cortisol concentration in the TMD patient group and the control group showed statistical relevance, indicating that stress was a causative factor.