Oral health-related quality of life among women with temporomandibular disorders and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder

Author : Negin Yekkalam Balfe, Kirsi Sipila, Mehmed Novo, Daniel Reissmann, Marcel Hanisch, Ole Oelerich

Abstract :People with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs) are at greater risk of developing temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), perhaps due to the general joint hypermobility. There is, however, no information on how oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) is affected in people with hEDS or HSD with TMD. The aim was to assess OHRQoL via the 14-item, short version Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), as well as associated risk factors in women with TMD symptoms and confirmed hEDS or HSD. Methods: A digital questionnaire was sent to members of The Swedish National EDS Association who reported having a EDS or HSD diagnosis in the health care system during January -March 2022. Then, a sample of 133 women with confirmed hEDS or HSD and TMD symptoms was constructed, and information on the following variables was collected: TMD symptoms, age, general and oral health–related factors, comorbid symptoms, and psychological factors. Linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between these variables and the OHIP-14 summary score as the outcome. Results: Most participants reported TMD pain symptoms (93.9%), temporomandibular joint clicking (89.5%), and crepitation (55.6%). The mean (SD) total OHIP-14 summary score was 21.0 (13.2). Oral function had the lowest impact (2.0 [2.4]) and orofacial pain had the highest impact on OHRQoL (3.9 [2.5]). Self-reported bruxism, poor general health, and comorbid symptoms were significantly associated with impaired OHRQoL. Conclusions: Women with confirmed hEDS or HSD and TMD symptoms have a considerably impaired OHRQoL

Keywords :Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; Oral Health Impact Profile; Temporomandibular disorders; hypermobility spectrum disorders; oral health related quality of life

Conference Name :International Conference on Dentistry (ICD - 25)

Conference Place San Francisco, USA

Conference Date 12th May 2025