Temporomandibular disorders in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. The role of sociodemographic and health-related factors, pain sensitivity, genetics, and association with dental anxiety
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Markku Larmas hall, H1091, Dentopolis, Oulu
Topic of the dissertation
Temporomandibular disorders in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. The role of sociodemographic and health-related factors, pain sensitivity, genetics, and association with dental anxiety
Doctoral candidate
DDS, M.Soc.Sci Jarno Knuutila
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Reseach Unit of Population Health
Subject of study
Dentistry
Opponent
Professor Timo Närhi, University of Turku
Custos
Professor Kirsi Sipilä, University of Oulu
The association of temporomandibular disorders with sociodemographic and health-related factors, pain sensitivity, genetics, and relationship with dental anxiety
The term ‘temporomandibular disorders’ (TMD) refers to dysfunctions and painful conditions in the masticatory system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between TMD and sociodemographic factors, self-reported general health, pain sensitivity, genetic factors and dental anxiety.
The sample was derived from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). In 2012–2013 at 46 years of age, 1 962 subjects living at a range of 100 km from Oulu attended follow-up examinations. TMD was systematically assessed clinically and using questionnaires. Sociodemographic factors, self-perceived general health, dental anxiety and psychological symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. Pressure pain sensitivity measurements were conducted during the clinical examination. In the genetic analyses, genetic data from the NFBC1966 and Health 2000 was used. The genetic analysis was conducted of the whole data as well as stratified by sex. A meta-analysis of the cohorts was also conducted.
The results showed that TMD symptoms and signs associated significantly with female sex and poor self-reported general health. An association with employment-related factors was also observed as pain symptoms were more prevalent in those who were unemployed or retired when compared to those who were employed. Among females, pain sensitivity associated with local TMD pain diagnoses. In males, pain sensitivity associated with multiple site pain linked TMD and osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joints. In the genetic analysis, possible associations with TMD were found in the vicinity of several genes. The effects from the presence of TMD or dental anxiety were very similar as both associated with pain sensitivity and psychological burden.
Employment-related factors, female sex, and self-reported general health should be considered when assessing TMD patients. TMD as well as dental anxiety are associated with pain sensitivity. Genetic factors may also be associated with TMD however, these findings need to be confirmed in further studies.
The sample was derived from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). In 2012–2013 at 46 years of age, 1 962 subjects living at a range of 100 km from Oulu attended follow-up examinations. TMD was systematically assessed clinically and using questionnaires. Sociodemographic factors, self-perceived general health, dental anxiety and psychological symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. Pressure pain sensitivity measurements were conducted during the clinical examination. In the genetic analyses, genetic data from the NFBC1966 and Health 2000 was used. The genetic analysis was conducted of the whole data as well as stratified by sex. A meta-analysis of the cohorts was also conducted.
The results showed that TMD symptoms and signs associated significantly with female sex and poor self-reported general health. An association with employment-related factors was also observed as pain symptoms were more prevalent in those who were unemployed or retired when compared to those who were employed. Among females, pain sensitivity associated with local TMD pain diagnoses. In males, pain sensitivity associated with multiple site pain linked TMD and osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joints. In the genetic analysis, possible associations with TMD were found in the vicinity of several genes. The effects from the presence of TMD or dental anxiety were very similar as both associated with pain sensitivity and psychological burden.
Employment-related factors, female sex, and self-reported general health should be considered when assessing TMD patients. TMD as well as dental anxiety are associated with pain sensitivity. Genetic factors may also be associated with TMD however, these findings need to be confirmed in further studies.
Last updated: 29.11.2024