Osteovox self-management concept study. Part 1: Focus on the population.

Objective

To analyze the prevalence of parafunctional behaviors in patients suffering from painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) during the selection process of the study.

Methods

This multidisciplinary study was based on seven selection criteria, of which the two main ones were parafunctions and symptomatology. The main clinical outcomes were (1) the type of TMD, (2) psychological symptoms, and (3) otological symptoms. From 409 consecutive examinations for TMD, 107 subjects met all criteria.

Results

During the selection process, among the 409 subjects, 81.9% were diagnosed with parafunctions. After the selection process, among the 107 parafunctional subjects, pain (71%) was more disabling than functional limitations (29%). Most patients (74%) exceeded the thresholds of psychometric scales. Otological symptoms were observed in 52% of the subjects.Discussion: The study highlighted the importance of parafunctions and psychological factors in patients with painful TMD. Treatment should include all factors identified in this study (see Part 2).