Polyphenols as Potential Agents in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) consist of multifactorial musculoskeletal disorders associated with the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and annexed structures. This clinical condition is characterized by temporomandibular pain, restricted mandibular movement, and TMJ synovial inflammation, resulting in reduced quality of life of affected people. Commonly, TMD management aims to reduce pain and inflammation by using pharmacologic therapies that show efficacy in pain relief but their long-term use is frequently associated with adverse effects. For this reason, the use of natural compounds as an effective alternative to conventional drugs appears extremely interesting. Indeed, polyphenols could represent a potential therapeutic strategy, related to their ability to modulate the inflammatory responses involved in TMD. The present work reviews the mechanisms underlying inflammation-related TMD, highlighting the potential role of polyphenols as a promising approach to develop innovative management of temporomandibular diseases.

Application of Vibrational Spectroscopies in the Qualitative Analysis of Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Periodontal Ligament during Orthodontic Tooth Movement

“…These modifications lead to the generation and propagation of signaling chemical cascades and associated tissue remodeling by delineating biochemical and cellular reactions occurring in tissues and fluids around the teeth [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. In the literature, several in vivo and in vitro studies, both in animal and human samples, investigated the structure and molecular patterns of the PDL and GCF during orthodontic treatment through different analytical methodologies (i.e., immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, confocal laser microscopy, gene arrays real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), transmission electron-microscopy, microcomputed tomography) [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. However, these methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring complex procedures to prepare the samples.…”

Validity and Reliability of the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index for the Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders

“…The analysis of the aetiology of TMDs has focused on several factors such as inflammatory diseases [ 4 ], fractures and trauma [ 5 , 6 ], as well as biomedical models related to temporomandibular joints, muscles of mastication and occlusal factors [ 7 ]. The management of TMDs includes clinical examination [ 8 ] and the use of imaging techniques both for diagnosis and for monitoring the efficacy of treatments [ 9 , 10 ], which classically included the use of botulinum toxin [ 11 ], occlusal splint therapy [ 12 ] and polyphenols as potential therapeutic agents [ 13 ]. TMDs are related to headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, insomnia, vertigo, ocular pain and hearing loss [ 14 ], and 91% of TMD patients reported pain, 61.2% joint clicks or crepitation and 53.3% temporomandibular joint limited range of movement [ 15 ].…”

Mandibular Coronoid Process Hypertrophy: Diagnosis and 20-Year Follow-Up with CBCT, MRI and EMG Evaluations

“…This results in fatigue and chronic hyperemia, further stimulating an inflammatory response. The chronic persistence of inflammatory cells in the muscles induces an excess of cytokines and growth factors, which contributes to the formation of permanent fibrosis [6,21]. So, increased duration of TMJ ankylosis leads to an increased incidence of coronoid elongation.…”