Abstracts » Health

Myofascial face pain: clinical characteristics of those with regional vs. widespread pain

Article Abstract:

Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) are more likely to have myofascial face pain (MFP) as well. Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain that occurs when specific points on the body are pressed. These points are called trigger points. Myofascial face pain is a similar condition that occurs on the face. In a study of 162 women with MFP, 24% also had FM. Women with both conditions were more likely to have severe MFP and also to experience depression.

Health aspects, Cover Story, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial pain syndrome, Myofascial pain syndromes

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Widespread pain and the effectiveness of oral splints in myofascial face pain

Article Abstract:

Patients with only localized face pain from temporomandibular joint disorder may benefit from an oral splint, according to a study of 63 women. However, those with more widespread pain probably will not benefit.

Care and treatment, Usage, Facial pain, Splints (Surgery), Splints

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The validity of tooth grinding measures: etiology of pain dysfunction syndrome revisited

Article Abstract:

Tooth grinding, or bruxism, has been considered to be a possible cause of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome, now known as temporomandibular pain and dysfunction syndrome (TMPDS). This condition is characterized by pain and clicking sounds on movement of the jaw, and restriction of jaw motion. Data used to support the tooth grinding-TMPDS theory have often been obtained from patients' self-reporting and from dentist reports. Self-reports may be biased and influenced by the theoretical belief of the dentist who obtains the report. This study included 151 patients diagnosed with TMPDS and a control group of 139 individuals without TMPDS. The patient group was drawn from the practice of a physician who does not support the tooth grinding theory. Both groups were asked about current and past tooth clenching and grinding habits. The responses revealed that the TMPDS patients were actually less likely than the control group to report current grinding; a greater number of patients reported that they had been told by a dentist that they ground their teeth. Of the self-reported tooth grinders (past or present) 65.6 percent did not show evidence of tooth abrasion. These results suggest that the use of self-reports or dentist-reports of tooth grinding is not a reliable method of gathering data when studying the association between tooth grinding and TMPDS. The validity of reported tooth grinding should be verified by dental examination. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Causes of, Teeth, Bruxism, Tooth abrasion

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