Changes in oral health-related quality of life after self-care treatment in patients with myofascial pain

ABSTRACT

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with myofascial pain treated by means of self-care measures.

Methods

Fifteen patients with myofascial pain had OHRQoL evaluated by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-TMD) questionnaire and were instructed for self-care measures verbally and with a printed guide in the first consultation (T0), after 30 days (T1) and 60 days (T2). Paired t-test was performed to evaluate changes through time.

Results

OHIP-TMD scores were 29.3 (SD 10.2) at T0, 18.9 (SD 11.2) at T1, and 15.9 (SD 10.7) at T2. There was a reduction of scores related to the OHIP-TMD domains of functional limitation, physical pain, psychological and social inability and incapacity (T1 and T2), and psychological discomfort (T2).

Conclusion

Self-care measures had positive effects on the myofascial pain treatment, reducing physical pain generated by TMD and improving patients’ OHRQoL.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• temporomandibular dysfunction
• self-care
• temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• quality of life