Association of Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms with Physical Fitness among Finnish Conscripts.

Studies on the role of physical fitness, physical activity and obesity as risk factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are scarce. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of TMD symptoms with physical fitness, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among Finnish conscripts. The study sample consisted of 8685 Finnish conscripts. Data on self-reported TMD symptoms were used as outcome variables. Physical activity (questionnaire), physical fitness (measured with physical tests: Cooper test, push-ups, sit-ups and standing long jump) and body mass index (BMI) were used as explanatory variables. The associations between TMD symptoms and explanatory variables were evaluated using Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of all TMD symptoms was significantly higher among those who exercised more rarely than weekly. Pain-related TMD symptoms were also significantly more frequent among those who were overweight (BMI ≥ 25). Poor push-up results and overweight (BMI ≥ 25) were significantly associated with jaw pain and TMJ pain at jaw rest. The present study showed that good physical fitness may be a protective factor against TMD pain. Dentists should also be prepared to motivate TMD patients to physical activity and regular exercise as part of the treatment.

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms and Their Association with Alcohol and Smoking Habits.

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and their associations with alcohol consumption and smoking habits among young Finnish adults. METHODS: The total sample consisted of 8,678 conscripts (8,530 men and 148 women, response rate 62.8%). Data on TMD symptoms, health behavior, and background/demographic factors were acquired by using a questionnaire. Self-reported facial pain and symptoms of TMD were used as outcome variables. The frequency of smoking and consumption of alcohol and snuff were used as explanatory variables. Chi-square tests, as expressed by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), were used as statistical methods in the analysis. Statistical significance was determined at P < .05. RESULTS: The prevalence of different self-reported, at least occasional TMD symptoms varied between 5.8% (difficulty in jaw opening) and 27.8% (temporomandibular joint [TMJ] clicking) in the male population, with higher prevalences for all symptoms in the female population except for TMJ clicking. Smoking was significantly associated with TMD symptoms, except TMJ clicking. Consumption of alcohol at least once a week was associated significantly with facial pain, TMJ pain, TMJ pain at jaw rest, TMJ pain on jaw movement, and TMJ clicking. Use of snuff was associated significantly with facial pain. CONCLUSION: Daily smoking and increased frequency of alcohol consumption are associated with TMD symptoms among young Finnish adults. Dentists should be prepared to influence alcohol and tobacco consumption among young males to improve their health and quality of life.

Psychosocial aspects of temporomandibular disorders and oral health-related quality-of-life.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between psychosocial aspects of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) and, secondly, to investigate the gender differences in these associations using patient and non-patient groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample of the study consisted of 79 patients with TMD and 70 non-patients. The data was collected by Finnish versions of the RDC/TMD Axis II profile and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires. The associations between Axis II profile sub-scales and OHIP prevalence were evaluated using chi-square tests, as stratified by group status (TMD patients and non-patient controls) and by gender. The association between OHIP prevalence and Axis II profile sub-scales were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, adjusted by age, gender and group. RESULTS: OHIP prevalence (those reporting at least one problem) was 90.9% in the patient group and 33.3% in the non-patient group (p < 0.001, chi-squared test). OHIP prevalence was higher among those scoring higher on all RDC/TMD Axis II profile sub-scales, i.e. graded chronic pain status, depression and non-specific physical symptoms with pain items included and with pain items excluded. The associations were significant in the non-patient group. Women showed statistically significant associations of OHIP prevalence with all Axis II sub-scales. Among men, OHIP prevalence associated with GCPS and somatization. The logistic regression analysis showed that OHIP prevalence associated significantly with somatization and depression. CONCLUSIONS: TMD associate with OHRQoL through multiple ways, linked with depression and somatization. These findings emphasize the importance of early and effective treatment of TMD.