Effect of Temporomandibular Disorders on Cortisol Concentration in the Body and Treatment with Occlusal Equilibrium

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of symptoms concerning the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and occlusion, which include pain, restricted mouth opening and movement, joint tenderness, and intermittent joint noises. Women are more likely to suffer from temporomandibular problems than men. Patients with TMDs show a wide range of behavioral and psychosocial symptoms, including increased stress, anxiety, sadness, and somatization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient group in this case–control research comprised 60 patients from the Department of Prosthodontics at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Dental Sciences in Dharwad. Female subjects aged between 33 and 45 years, who were educated, had two children, and were housewives were included in the study. Only 96 individuals of those screened met the inclusion criteria, and these 96 patients were given a hair cortisol test. After 1, 2, and 3 months, cortisol testing was performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups at the start of the study; but after 30 min of the modified trier test, there was a statistically significant main effect across groups, as well as a significant main effect of salivary cortisol over time. CONCLUSION: The etiopathogenesis of TMD is complicated by psychosocial stress. When compared to men, women have a higher risk of TMD.