Oral Behaviors and Parafunctions: Comparison of Temporomandibular Dysfunction Patients and Controls

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of oral behaviors in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and a control group without TMD.In this baseline case-control study, 260 controls and 260 subjects with TMD completed the oral behaviors checklist defined as a "self-report scale for identifying and quantifying the frequency of jaw overuse behavior" and underwent clinical examinations using the DC/TMJ international examination form (version May 12, 2013). Relationships of oral parafunctions' frequencies between groups were examined. The statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software.Age and gender distribution in the study groups did not reveal statistical differences (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to establish system of independent oral behaviors for prognosis TMD. The stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that very frequent expression of holding, tightening, or tense muscles is associated with 10.83 times (P < 0.05) higher risk of TMD, grinding teeth together during waking hours with 4.94 times (P < 0.05) higher risk, and sustained talking with 2.64 times (P < 0.05) higher risk of TMD. By contrast, it was determined that 3 oral behaviors were less common in the TMD patients compared with the control group: clenching teeth together during waking hours, facing grimaces, and yawning (P < 0.05). The individuals with TMD reported a significantly higher frequency of 10 behaviors (P < 0.05), 3 of which may be regarded as independent risk factors for TMD. In addition, 3 oral behaviors were more frequently observed in the healthy subjects than in the TMD patients.

Association of Oral Behaviors with Anxiety, Depression, and Jaw Function in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This study showed that patients with TMDs do have certain OBs, such as pressing, touching, or holding the teeth together during activities other than eating, chewing food on 1 side, and putting pressure on the jaw. These results were basically consistent with those of Leketas et al [ 3 ]. Certain OBs such as grinding teeth while awake, tightening or tensing muscles, and talking for a long time could increase the risk of TMDs [ 14 ].…”

“…Additionally, OBs can cause stomatognathic microtrauma, particularly in the temporomandibular joint. Leketas et al found that OBs, such as clenching teeth, bruxism, tensing of the muscles, and sustained talking, are associated with TMDs [ 3 ].…”

Treatment of Somatosensory Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial Studying the Effect of Orofacial Treatment as Part of a Multidisciplinary Program

“…TMD comprises various conditions where pain and dysfunction of the masticatory muscles or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are involved [10]. Oral parafunctions (e.g., bruxism, excessive gum chewing, lip or fingernail biting) are often related to TMD [11,12]. The fact that prevalence studies show that tinnitus occurs in 30% to 64% [13,14] of patients with TMD, suggests that TMD and tinnitus are intertwined.…”

Comparison of Dental Status and Oral Function Between the Elderly With and Without Temporomandibular Disorders

“…Afferent nerve fibres carry the impulse to the trigeminal spinal tract nucleus and stimulate interneurons. The efferent fibres of the inhibitory interneurons synapse, which lead to the elevator muscle reaction, bring the teeth away from the noxious stimulus [22,23]. These repetitions might cause masticatory muscle dysfunction.…”