Relationship between the Types of Malocclusion and the Localization of Headaches in Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the manifestations of headaches in adult patients with types of malocclusion and occlusion deformities. Methods and Results: The study was conducted in 171 adult patients (43 men and 128 women) with malocclusion and occlusion deformities at the age of 18 to 62 years old, who were examined in the orthopedic dentistry clinic. The nature of the dentition closing was studied directly in the patient's oral cavity, and with the help of the "Gnatomat" universal articulator on diagnostic plaster models of the jaws. The occlusal relationships of the teeth were analyzed in the position of the central, anterior, lateral and dynamic occlusions. The biomechanics of the lower jaw movements were studied in 3 mutually perpendicular directions. The detected anomalies and deformities of the occlusion were grouped as sagittal, transversal and vertical. Each group was diagnosed as independent forms of malocclusion, and combined with other anomalies and deformities of the dentoalveolar system. All the subjects were asked to answer the questions of a questionnaire specially developed for our study. The unified questionnaire was developed based on a modified rating questionnaire and the determination of the life disorders index in neck pain. The questionnaire includes blocks of questions aimed at identifying the localization of the headache in the temporal, parietal (in one or both) regions, occipital, frontal regions and in the longitudinal seam region. We identified complaints of patients with pain in adjacent regions of the head. Of the 171 examined adult patients with malocclusion and occlusion deformities, 99 (57.9%) complained of headaches. The presence of a headache in the parietal region of the head was associated most often with sagittal and transversal malocclusions. The presence of a headache in the temporal part of the head was associated often with vertical malocclusion The results of correlation analysis showed that pain in 2 regions of the head was associated with malocclusion: the temporal region (rb=0.9892, P=0.0013) and parietal region (rb=0.9712, P=0.0058). Other regions were not statistically significantly associated with malocclusion. Conclusion: There is a certain relationship between the types of malocclusion, occlusion deformities and localization of headaches in adults. Headaches in the parietal and temporal regions of the head are associated with malocclusion and occlusion deformities more often. The obtained data can serve as a basis for the development of recommendations for appropriate corrective measures in orthodontic practice.