Psychological aspects of temporomandibular disorders – literature review

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) constitute a group of clinical problems involving the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. An etiological connection of TMD with psychological factors was proposed as early as the 1980’s. Indeed, the interdependence of psychological and health aspects in the patient’s treatment, place light upon the more important variables contributing to the various mental disorders that may accompany TMD. Current literature suggests a close relationship between TMD and selected psychological factors, such as personality traits, stress, depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing. Of note, anxiety-depressive disorders, somatisation and catastrophizing contribute to chronic TMD, mainly in the form of myofascial pain. Hence, knowledge of the influence of psychological factors affecting TMD, enables the identification of patients with an increased risk of chronic painful TMD.

Negative synergy of mental disorders and oral diseases versus general health

“…Due to the multidirectional relationship between TMDs and mental health, it is often difficult to assess whether TMDs are the cause or the effect of mental disorders. 23 Moreover, the intense pain associated with arthralgia, caused by muscular disorders, in patients who also suffer from psychosomatic pathologies, is known to notably worsen oral health-related quality of life. 24 Parafunctions are also responsible for premature injuries of fixed and mobile prosthetic fillings, due to their occlusal overextension, which impedes the effective rehabilitation of patients in need of prosthetic restorations.…”

Relationship of temporomandibular disorders with selected systemic diseases

“…When only are discussed). 1,2 TMD these are common -research indicates that at some point in life these disorders may affect even 50-75% of the population. 3 Clinical symptoms of temporomandibular joints disorder (TMJ) can occur in even 5% to 33% of the population.…”

Altered mandibular dynamics between bruxism and temporomandibular joint dysfunction

“…The persistence of the mandibular opening limitation leads to changes in the infra-and suprahyoid muscles activity, the extensor muscles of the head and neck, resulting in oropharyngeal and cervical (anterior and posterior) pain 8,9 , as well as changes in the other functions of the stomatognathic system (mastication, swallowing, speech); these changes become, in time, engrams for a new activity pattern 10 . The engrams are theoretical constructs that explain how our memories are stored in the form of biochemical and biophysical changes of the brain in response to external stimuli.…”