Influence of the pharmacotherapy of general diseases on the severity of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) constitute a heterogeneous group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and the surrounding tissues. The etiology of these anomalies has been extensively discussed due to their multifactorial and diverse nature; however the influence of many factors remains ambiguous. Temporomandibular disorders may be manifested as pain or in a painless form, characterized by acoustic symptoms in TMJs or their dysfunction. The presence of a causal relationship between the use of medications for chronic diseases and TMD symptoms can simplify the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in TMD treatment.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to verify the existence of and assess the correlation between the usage of pharmacotherapy in chronic diseases and the occurrence and severity of TMD symptoms.

Material and methods: This retrospective study was based on the analysis of 252 questionnaires completed by patients who had previously reported to the University Dental Clinic in Krakow, Poland, due to the occurrence of TMD symptoms. The patients were categorized into 4 subgroups, depending on the type of drugs taken: endocrine; cardiological; psychotropic; and other. Data was subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: In the tested group, an association between the usage of endocrine drugs and the risk of headaches was observed. The patients taking cardiological drugs exhibited a reduced likelihood of experiencing difficulties in opening the mouth wide as compared to those under treatment for other reasons. However, no significant impact of the drugs on the intensity of TMD pain symptoms was observed. Furthermore, no correlation was found between the medications taken and the occurrence of clicking in TMJ and behaviors in the form of clenching and/or grinding of the teeth.

Conclusions: The pharmacotherapy of chronic diseases in TMD patients might be associated with an increased risk of headaches. Nonetheless, there were no statistically significant differences between the types of drugs taken with regard to the intensity of TMD pain symptoms, as well as the presence of clicking and behaviors in the form of clenching and/or grinding of the teeth.