HIGHLIGHTS
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There is a relevant difference regarding prevalence and greater chances of developing TMD between men and women.
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Women have more TMD are more likely to be affected by it, when compared to men.
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Women present more severe levels of depression, somatization of pain, limitation of mandibular function, and myofascial pain.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Although women
seem to be more susceptible to pain, there are few studies comparing the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) diagnoses between women and men. Thus, this study aimed to verify the influence of gender on Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and their comorbidities in a Brazilian sample.
METHODS:
Patients were assessed using the RDC/TMD. Diagnoses were obtained for Axis I (myofascial pain, disc displacement, and other joint conditions) and Axis II (depressive symptoms, chronic pain, somatization, and limitation of mandibular function). Logistic regression models were used to verify whether there is a difference in the prevalence and odds of developing TMD between women and men.
RESULTS:
The sample included 310 patients. Women had more myofascial pain and were more likely to develop it (73.04%; OR: 1.91; IC 95%: 1.08 - 3.39), as well as more joint disorders (54.78%; OR: 2.07; IC 95%: 1.08 - 3.99), in comparison to men. Furthermore, women composed the majority of the sample, more often sought treatment, and had more severe levels of depressive symptoms, somatization of pain, limitation of mandibular function, and myofascial pain.
CONCLUSION:
Women have more TMD and are more likely to develop it, and also show more severe levels of depressive symptoms, pain somatization, limited mandibular function, and myofascial pain.
Keywords
Facial pain; Gender characteristics; Temporomandibular joint disorders.