Detrimental impact of temporomandibular disorders (mis)beliefs and possible strategies to overcome.

AIM: This topical review presents common patients' misbeliefs about temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and discusses their possible impact on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. We also discussed the possible influence of the beliefs and behaviours of healthcare providers on the beliefs of patients with TMD and suggested possible strategies to overcome the negative impacts of such misbeliefs.

METHODS

This topical review was based on a non-systematic search for studies about the beliefs of patients and healthcare professionals about TMD in PubMed and Embase.

RESULTS

Patients' beliefs can negatively impact the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of TMD. These beliefs can be modulated by several factors such as culture, psychosocial aspects, gender, level of knowledge and previous experiences. Moreover, primary healthcare professionals, including dentists, may lack sufficient experience and skills regarding TMD diagnosis and treatment. Misbeliefs of the healthcare professionals can be based on outdated evidence that is not supported by rigorous methodological investigations. Education and dissemination of knowledge to patients and the general population are effective for prevention, promotion of health and disruption of the cycle of misinformation and dissemination of misbeliefs.

CONCLUSION

The lack of basic information about TMD and the dissemination of mistaken and outdated concepts may delay the diagnosis, hinder the treatment, and consequently increase the risk of worsening the condition. Education is key to overcome TMD misbeliefs.