Differences in Pain Threshold Values of Masseter and Temporalis Muscles Before and After Mastication

Abstract Objective: To analyze the differences in the pain thresholds of the masseter and temporalis muscles before and after chewing at the 5th and 10th minutes. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the pain thresholds of the muscles in both sides of 43 non-TMD subjects were measured using a digital algometer before and after chewing the bubble gum Xylitol for 5 and 10 min. The values of the muscles before and after mastication at the 5th and 10th were analyzed using Repeated ANOVA. A difference in the values between the left and right sides of the muscles were analyzed using independent t-test, and among the age groups using one-way ANOVA. Results: Average pain threshold values were 1.76 and 1.93 KgF/cm2 for the masseter and temporalis muscles. ANOVA tests indicated significant differences in the values of the muscles before and after mastication at the 5th and 10th min (p=0.000 vs. p<0.001). The differences in the values between the left and right sides of the muscles (p>0.05) and among the age groups (p>0.05) showed no significant difference. However, the values between temporalis and masseter and the values between men and women for each session revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) Conclusion: The masseter and temporalis pain threshold values were reduced 10 min after chewing. The values in both sides of the masseter and temporalis muscles and in different age groups were the same. The temporal muscle and men showed a higher pain threshold than the masseter muscle and women, respectively.

Temporomandibular disorders in elderly patients.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is a disorder that is still controversial in terms of correlation between clinical signs & symptoms and age. Most studies were carried out on adult populations with little attention given to the elderly. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the frequency of TMD in elderly population and risk factors pertinent to it. This is a cross sectional study which included patients aged 60-91 of Geriatric Department of National Hospital Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta, Indonesia. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was examined for clinical signs & symptoms. Data was analyzed using non parametric Chi Square test. Although there is no significant p value obtained, there is a clear tendency that occurence of TMD diminishes with age, more male elderly experience TMD and elderly experiencing up to 13 tooth loss might have higher risk for TMD.