Effect of educational and self-care therapies on masticatory performance of women with painful temporomandibular disorder

Abstract

Introduction Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can compromise masticatory performance due to the presence of pain, muscular dysfunction and limitation of mandibular movements. Substantial improvements in TMD pain can be achieved through therapeutic approaches including education and self-care. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of these treatment modalities in the masticatory performance of women with painful TMD. Material and method Fifty-two women were randomly divided into three groups: Control Group (CG); Education Group (received education about TMD) (EG); Self-Care and Education Group (received education about TMD and instructions self-care therapies) (SEG). The education instructions about TMD and self-care therapies were transmitted through a video and printed illustrative material. The masticatory performance was evaluated through the sieves method with natural tested foods in the evaluation periods: baseline evaluation, 30 days after and 60 days of follow-up. Data were analyzed and used with a one-way ANOVA parametric test for mean comparison of CG, EG and SEG groups (α = 0.05). Result The masticatory performance of the participants was similar, irrespective of the proposed treatments, at baseline (p=.604), 30 days (p=.450) and 60 days (p=.669). Conclusions The results indicated that treatment with educational and self-care therapies over a period of 60 days had no impact on the masticatory performance of women with painful TMD.

The effectiveness of the self-care protocol in managing pain in Tempro-mandibular joint disordered patients: Scope review

“…Thus, SC protocol explicitly states the potential causal relationships between presumed parafunctional habits and the patient's pain. This parafunction behaviours assessment and monitoring will be effective in TMJ pain curbing, especially when combined with other SC components (Giro, et al,2018).…”

“…On the other hand, the main factors that could influence the outcome of SC protocol are self-efficacy, depression, and physical activity. Also, SC protocols basically rely on a therapeutic alliance between clinician and patient, which requires patient cooperation and clinician commitment, such as monitoring and constant evaluation of the dysfunction's progression, to readapt the therapeutic alternatives (Giro, et al,2018).…”

“…Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are an interrelated set of clinical conditions and problems. TMD usually involves the masticatory muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (Venancio, et al,2009;Giro et al,2018;Ferrillo, et al,2022).…”

“…The main signs and symptoms of TMD (which may contribute to the diagnosis) are cracking, crackling, mouth opening limitation, sleep disorders, TMJ pain, headaches, asymmetry, and difficulties in mandibular movements (Gauer & Semidey, 2015). However, TMD is usually characterized by musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations, such as difficulties in chewing and speaking (Giro et al,2018) and this may have a negative impact on an individual's quality of life (Von Korff et al,1988;Bueno et al,2018;Giro et al,2018;De Leeuw &Klasser, 2018). The Intensity, psychosocial profile, and use of health care resources all confirm that TMD is essentially a chronic pain condition (Dworkin et al,199Oa) that needs multiple approaches to deal with it.…”

Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Syndrome—Aetiology and Biopsychosocial Modulation. A Narrative Review

“…Increasing the patient's awareness and responsibility regarding the psychosocial factors of the disease can be an important treatment tool. Reduction of harmful behaviours and the balance between physiological, psychological, and social factors seem to be a powerful tool to control and alleviate signals and symptoms of TMD [156].…”