J Orofac Pain
-
To test whether patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain differ from subjects from the general population with regard to their stress-related coping styles. ⋯ Differences in the applied stress-related coping styles of TMD patients and subjects without TMD may have implications for clinical decision making and choosing among treatment alternatives.
-
To use a range of evaluation instruments to assess the content and quality of websites about temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and thereby provide guidance regarding the actual accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information of the sites. ⋯ Sites concerning TMD were poorly organized and maintained. Also, most sites contained insufficient or scientifically incorrect information that could have a negative effect on the treatment outcome and prognosis of TMD. Clinicians should guide patients to reputable sources of information that will enhance patient comprehension and better treatment outcomes.
-
To test the hypothesis that estimates of time spent in tooth contact are significantly greater than estimates of time spent clenching, and to test the hypothesis that tooth contact is greater in pain patients, particularly those reporting facial or head pain, than those with pain elsewhere in the body. ⋯ Results from the logistic regressions provide convergent validity on the importance of oral parafunctions, specifically tooth contact and clenching, to facial/head pain. For assessment of oral parafunctional behaviors, inquiries that utilize clear behavioral referents (tooth contact versus clenching) are likely to result in more accurate estimates than behaviors with unclear definitions.
-
To test the reliability and validity of a novel rat-holding device designed to be used in conjunction with the plantar test apparatus for studying nocifensive behavioral responses in an established model of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology. ⋯ Findings from this study provide evidence to validate the use of this holding device for studying nocifensive behaviors in the orofacial region of rats in response to heat or mechanical orofacial stimulation.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Assessment of proprioceptive allodynia after tooth-clenching exercises.
To (A) evaluate test-retest reliability of vibrotactile sensitivity in the masseter muscle and (B) test if (1) the vibration threshold is decreased after experimental tooth clenching, (2) intense vibrations exacerbate pain after tooth clenching, (3) pain and fatigue are increased after tooth clenching, and (4) pressure pain thresholds are decreased after tooth clenching. ⋯ Experimental tooth clenching appears to evoke moderate levels of pain and fatigue and short-lasting hyperalgesia to mechanical stimulation, but not proprioceptive allodynia. The absence of proprioceptive allodynia does not necessarily exclude delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) but warrants further studies on the clinical manifestations of DOMS in jaw muscles.