Temporomandibular disorders: Guidelines and Self-Care for Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) belongs to a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint complex, musculature and adjacent components. These conditions can generate signs and symptoms and be influenced by an altered biopsychosocial condition. Objective: This study aims to seek information to assist the patient in the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and Orofacial Pain, associated with the period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: For the preparation of this manual, a bibliographic search was performed in the databases PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), BBO (BVS), Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, using the keywords: orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, stress, anxiety, biopsychosocial, diagnosis, self-care with important information on how to reduce and control the signs and symptoms of TMD and Orofacial Pain in this moment of pandemic that we are experiencing a social detachment. Results: The results show that the pandemic of COVID-19 and the need for social isolation, generates psychological impact that raises the pattern of anxiety and can directly affect patients with bruxism and TMD. Conclusion: Psychological factors associated with the pandemic can lead to an increased risk of developing, worsening and perpetuating bruxism, especially waking bruxism and TMD, so dentists should be aware of the occurrence of signs and symptoms to manage the multifactorial aspects of this condition. At that time, individual self-management strategies are advised for the patient, which consist of self-massage techniques, body education, exercise practices, sleep hygiene, meditation and making available the use of tools and online devices that facilitate this activity.KeywordsOrofacial pain; Temporomandibular disorders; Bruxism; Stress; Anxiety; Biopsychosocial; Diagnosis; Self-care; COVID-19.

Analysis of the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and sleep quality: A cross-sectional study

“…In this scenario, dentists must use individualized strategies, while considering the multifactorial etiology. They should adapt to individual circumstances and utilize various treatment methods, including sleep hygiene management, physical exercise, self-massage, and "teledentistry" (Oliveira et al, 2020). Therefore, it is suggested that university students of dental school, given their vulnerability to such dysfunctions, be included in the planning of approaches for the prevention of onset and worsening of TMD.…”

COVID-19 and Painful Temporomandibular Disorders: what does the dentist need to know?

“…Psychosocial factors such as anxiety and stress are recognized to be associated mainly with the awake form of bruxism [25], which is characterized by the parafunctional activity of clenching the teeth while the patient are awake and without necessarily being conscious of performing it [26,27]. Patients diagnosed with elevated stress levels are up to 6 times more likely to develop this condition [19,28]. Recently some authors suggested that muscle contraction in awake bruxism may be part of the body's defense behavior mechanism associated with anxiety and stress, increasing significantly in this period of the pandemic [28].…”

“…Patients diagnosed with elevated stress levels are up to 6 times more likely to develop this condition [19,28]. Recently some authors suggested that muscle contraction in awake bruxism may be part of the body's defense behavior mechanism associated with anxiety and stress, increasing significantly in this period of the pandemic [28]. Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the recognized risk factors for protective sleep bruxism.…”

Social, nutritional, and behavioral aspects associated with erosive tooth wear - considerations and preventive aspects

“…Recentemente jornais e mídias sociais noticiaram o aumento de fraturas dentais associado a maior apertamento durante a quarentena (S. S. I. de Oliveira et al, 2020). Ainda, portadores de bruxismo, seja ele em vigília ou noturno (durante o sono) apresentam sintomas que interferem no seu bem estar, como dores na face, alterações na qualidade do sono, e maior chance de ocorrência de hipersensibilidade dentária (HD).…”