The occurrence of temporomandibular joint disorders during COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused adverse effects on psycho-emotional health. It may lead to the onset/exacerbation of temporomandibular joint symptoms Aim. The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether there is a relationship between COVID-19 incidence and temporomandibular joint disorders and tension headaches. Material and Methods. The study included 368 subjects (168 who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded) ranging in age between 25-55 years old. (mean 38 years +/-9.45), women accounted in 59.5% and men in 40.5% of the study group. An author’s survey questionnaire posted on ankieteo.pl was used. SPSS Statistics program was used for statistical analysis. The level of statistical significance was taken as p<0.05. Results. Bruxism was present in 66.1% of those infected with COVID-19 and tension headaches were associated with infestation in 67.9%. In addition, facial muscle tension occurred in 53.5% of COVID-19 infected individuals and joint crepitation occurred in 48.6% of infected individuals. Conclusions. Infection with COVID-19 has been shown to affect temporomandibular disorders and the occurrence of tension headaches.