Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in pregnancy: A systematic review with meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Over the past few years, researchers have investigated whether varying menstrual statuses and oestrogen levels could affect the likelihood of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), with conflicting results. While some studies suggest a potential link between increased oestrogen levels and higher TMD risk, others have found no correlation. It is worth noting that oestrogen levels can impact the structure and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In the light of these findings, our study seeks to investigate the prevalence of TMDs among pregnant women. Methods We searched in PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs for articles published from the inception until 20 January 2023. We applied the Population, Exposure, Comparator and Outcomes (PECO) model to assess the document eligibility: (P) Participants: female human subjects. (E) Exposure: pregnancy. (C) Comparison: pregnant women compared to non‐pregnant women in the childbearing age. (O) Outcome: TMDs diagnosis. Only study providing data about the prevalence in both group (pregnant and non‐pregnant) were included. We set the following exclusion criteria: (1) diagnosis of rheumatic diseases or chronic inflammatory disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile, idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis); (2) diagnosis of fibromyalgia; (3) congenital abnormality or neoplastic conditions in the TMJ region; (4) studies including subjects undergoing arthrocentesis or intra‐articular infiltrations; (5) studies including local pressure pain assessment; (6) studies including women in menopause in the control group (7) cross‐over study design; (8) language different from English; (9) full‐ text unavailability (i.e. posters and conference abstracts); (10) studies involving animals; (11) review (topical or systematic) article; (12) case reports/series; (13) studies evaluating TMDs prevalence in subjects not pregnant. The software Review Manager version 5.2.8 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used to perform the pooled analysis. We measured the risk ratio (RR) between the two groups (pregnant and non‐pregnant). Results The included subjects in this review were 440. Among them, 244 were pregnant while the remaining 196 were age matched non‐pregnant women. Among those pregnant 102 presented sign/symptoms of TMD or TMD diagnosis (41.8%) whereas 80 of those not pregnant were diagnosed with (40.8%). The overall effect showed that there was no difference in TMD prevalence between pregnant and non‐pregnant women in childbearing age (RR 1.12; 95% CI: 0.65–1.93), suggesting that pregnant is neither a risk factor nor a protective factor for TMD. Conclusions Overall, we did not find an association between TMD and pregnancy, neither positive nor negative. Further studies on larger samples are needed to clarify our results.

Occurrence of Temporomandibular Disorders among patients undergoing treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) using Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD): A Systematic Review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions

“…Long‐term evaluations are necessary to determine the stability of TMD symptoms over time, assess potential late‐onset complications, and elucidate the overall treatment outcomes and sustainability of MAD therapy in relation to TMD. TMDs refer to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the jaw muscles and the surrounding structures 20–22 . TMD can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles used for chewing 23–26 .…”

Economic inequalities and temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review with meta‐analysis

“…In addition to these traditional risk factors, the literature suggests that socioeconomic status (SES) may also play a role in the development and progression of TMDs 18–23 . SES is a complex construct that encompasses several dimensions, including income, education and occupational status.…”

“…[14][15][16][17] In addition to these traditional risk factors, the literature suggests that socioeconomic status (SES) may also play a role in the development and progression of TMDs. [18][19][20][21][22][23] SES is a complex construct that encompasses several dimensions, including income, education and occupational status. Previous research has suggested that individuals with lower SES are more likely to experience a wider range of chronic health conditions, 24 including musculoskeletal disorders, compared to those with higher SES.…”

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in Orthognathic Surgery patients: A systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions

“…The impact of TMDs on the overall quality of life of individuals is significant, as it can lead to functional limitations, including difficulty in eating, speaking and sleeping 7,8 . Furthermore, the chronic pain associated with TMDs can lead to psychological distress, including depression, anxiety and social isolation 9,10 . In addition to the physical and emotional impact, TMDs can also result in significant economic burden due to medical expenses, 11 lost productivity and reduced quality of life 7,9 .…”

“…7,8 Furthermore, the chronic pain associated with TMDs can lead to psychological distress, including depression, anxiety and social isolation. 9,10 In addition to the physical and emotional impact, TMDs can also result in significant economic burden due to medical expenses, 11 lost productivity and reduced quality of life. 7,9 The impact of TMDs on individuals and society highlights the need for effective management and treatment strategies.…”