Detrimental impact of temporomandibular disorders (mis)beliefs and possible strategies to overcome

Abstract

Aim This topical review presents common patients’ misbeliefs about temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and discusses their possible impact on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. We also discussed the possible influence of the beliefs and behaviours of healthcare providers on the beliefs of patients with TMD and suggested possible strategies to overcome the negative impacts of such misbeliefs. Methods This topical review was based on a non‐systematic search for studies about the beliefs of patients and healthcare professionals about TMD in PubMed and Embase. Results Patients’ beliefs can negatively impact the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of TMD. These beliefs can be modulated by several factors such as culture, psychosocial aspects, gender, level of knowledge and previous experiences. Moreover, primary healthcare professionals, including dentists, may lack sufficient experience and skills regarding TMD diagnosis and treatment. Misbeliefs of the healthcare professionals can be based on outdated evidence that is not supported by rigorous methodological investigations. Education and dissemination of knowledge to patients and the general population are effective for prevention, promotion of health and disruption of the cycle of misinformation and dissemination of misbeliefs. Conclusion The lack of basic information about TMD and the dissemination of mistaken and outdated concepts may delay the diagnosis, hinder the treatment, and consequently increase the risk of worsening the condition. Education is key to overcome TMD misbeliefs.

How dental teams can help patients with temporomandibular disorders receive general dental care: An International Delphi process

“…Evaluation of the existing literature 8,13,15,17 including a recent meta‐synthesis of qualitative evidence 9 identified several themes relating to the experiences of patients with TMD. The three general themes listed below were used to support the recommendations suggested by patient participants in the Delphi process.…”

“…Further suggestions were given by participants in the second online meeting, and participants were given the opportunity to correct or modify any previously added recommendations. Evaluation of the existing literature 8,13,15,17 including a recent meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence 9 identified several themes relating to the experiences of patients with TMD. The three general themes listed below were used to support the recommendations suggested by patient participants in the Delphi process.…”

How do the mindfulness and sensory‐behavioural‐emotional aspects influence the painful experience related to temporomandibular disorder?

“…This highlights the importance of addressing beliefs about pain control in improving treatment outcomes for TMD. 43 The correlations identified in the parsimonious multiple regression analysis were all statistically significant, underscoring the clinical relevance of the independent variables in elucidating the painful experience measured by the BPI-B in women with chronic painrelated TMD (p < .05). 9 However, the hypothesis regarding a potential association between the painful experience and the diagnoses established through the DC/TMD 18,19,44 was not supported.…”

“…Previous research shows those with an external locus of control utilize more health services and have more significant disability and psychological issues and ineffective coping strategies such as reduced activities, hypervigilance and catastrophic behaviours. 42,43 Interestingly, no correlation was found with the locus of control attributed to health professionals, possibly indicating scepticism towards TMD diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. This highlights the importance of addressing beliefs about pain control in improving treatment outcomes for TMD.…”

The Effect of Individual Nursing on Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders

“…Traditional nursing in clinical practice is passive and usually performed after complications or adverse reactions [ 22 ]. The core theme of personalized nursing is people-oriented, reflecting humanistic care, actively developing professional and targeted nursing for patients, and offsetting the passive nursing model [ 23 ]. We required the nursing staff to formulate a scientific and reasonable nursing plan before implementing nursing interventions to have a clear understanding of the nursing content according to the patient's condition, needs, and disease risk assessment [ 24 ].…”