Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in children and adolescents with large horizontal maxillary overjet due to mandibular retrognathia: a case control study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children and adolescents with large overjet due to mandibular retrognathia compared to a control group. METHODS: In this case-control study children with large overjet ≥ 6 mm due to mandibular retrognathia (study group) were compared to a group with neutral occlusion (controls). All participants underwent respiratory polygraphy (PG) and questionnaires regarding sleepiness and snoring. Differences across groups were tested by: Chi-square, general linear model adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), and Mann-Whitney test. Differences in results of PG were also tested by general linear model adjusted for age, sex, and BMI according to severity of mandibular retrognathia. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (19 male;18 female, median age 12.3 years) participants were included in the study group and 32 (16 male;16 female, median age 12.2 years) in the control group. No significant difference in SDB assessed by PG or questionnaires between the groups was found even though the snore index was higher in the study group (p=0.051). The snore index was higher than the parent-reported snoring. Respiration rate was significantly reduced in the study group (p=0.043), and estimated sleep time efficiency was significantly reduced in males compared to females (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in SDB were found between the groups even though the snore index was higher in the study group. The snore index of the PG was higher than the parent-reported snoring. Estimated sleep time efficiency was reduced in males. The study improves the understanding of risk of SDB in non-obese children with large overjet due to mandibular retrognathia and may contribute to an interdisciplinary approach of risk assessment of SDB in children with malocclusion. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04964830.

Therapeutic Uses and Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Orofacial Medicine: A Dental Perspective.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the exotoxin of Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium [...].

Oro-facial function and quality of life in children and adolescents with large horizontal maxillary overjet-A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Large horizontal maxillary overjet (overjet) is associated with reduced bite force (BF) and number of contacts, which influence the chewing effectivity (CE). Oral health, oro-facial function (OF) and malocclusion have great impact on psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to examine OF, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), BF, CE, QoL and well-being in children and adolescents with large overjet. METHODS: The study was a case-control study including healthy children with large overjet in the study group compared to a control group of healthy children with neutral occlusion, all 9-14 years old. OF was examined by use of Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S), Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and registration of morphological and functional occlusion. QoL and well-being were examined using KIDSCREEN-10 and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: The study and control groups included 37 and 32 participants, respectively. Significantly increased NOT-S score (p < .001) and reduced BF (p = .011), numbers of contacts (p < .001) and CE (p = .005) were found in the study group. BF, numbers of contacts and CE were negatively associated with erupting canines and premolars. No significant difference was found in age, gender, dental eruption, TMD diagnosis or QoL between the groups. Significantly increased emotional symptoms (p = .007), hyperactivity (p = .043) and total difficulties score (p = .009) were found in the study group. CONCLUSION: The study group showed higher NOT-S score and reduced BF, number of contacts and CE. No difference in QoL were found between the groups, although reduced well-being and increased emotional symptoms, hyperactivity and total difficulties were found in the study group.

Clinical and digital assessment of tooth wear.

The aim of this study was to compare the assessment of tooth wear performed on digital models with the one conducted at the clinical examination. Seventy-eight volunteers (29 males and 49 females, age range 20-30 years) with at least 24 teeth, normal oral function, and a neutral transverse relationship were examined. During the clinical examination, dental wear was registered according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Subsequently, the BEWE index was blindly applied by two examiners on digital models obtained from the volunteers. Data were analyzed using weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient and correlation tests with a confidence interval of 95%. All volunteers showed signs of tooth wear. Anterior teeth showed increased severity of tooth wear than first molars. Early loss of tooth substance could be identified on the digital models, including in areas with challenging direct intraoral visual access. Approximately 50% of the scores based on clinical examination agreed with those based on examination of digital models (k = 0.543, p < 0.01). A moderate, positive correlation was observed between scores registered clinically and on digital models (Spearman's rho = 0.560, p < 0.001). Considering the rather low agreement between the clinical and digital scores, alternatives to using BEWE on digital models are needed.

Orofacial function and temporomandibular disorders in Parkinson's Disease: a case-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The difficulties and challenges faced by people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in performing daily orofacial function are not systematically investigated. In this study, specific orofacial non-motor and motor symptoms and functions were systematically examined in PD patients in comparison to a matched control group. METHODS: The clinical case-controlled study was conducted from May 2021 to October 2022 and included persons with PD and age- and gender-matched persons without PD. The participants with PD were outpatients diagnosed with PD at the Department of Neurology at Bispebjerg University Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark. The participants underwent a systematic clinical and relevant self-assessment of the orofacial function and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The primary outcomes were objective and subjective assessments of the general orofacial function, mastication, swallowing, xerostomia and drooling. The secondary outcomes were the prevalence of TMD and orofacial pain. The difference in outcome measures between the two groups was analysed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The study included 20 persons with PD and 20 age- and gender-matched persons without PD. Both objectively and subjectively, persons with PD had poorer orofacial function than the control group. Persons with PD had also a significantly more severe limitation of jaw mobility and jaw function. The objective masticatory function was also significantly reduced for persons with PD compared to the control group, and 60% of persons with PD found it difficult to eat foods with certain consistencies while 0% of the control group reported that problem. Persons with PD could swallow less water per second and the average swallowing event was significantly longer for PD persons. Even though PD persons reported more xerostomia (58% for persons with PD and 20% for control persons), they also reported significantly more drooling than the control group. Additionally, orofacial pain was more prevalent in PD persons. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with PD have a compromised orofacial function. Furthermore, the study indicates a link between PD and orofacial pain. In order to screen and treat persons with PD accordingly, healthcare professionals should be aware of and address these limitations and symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was approved by the Regional Committee on Research Health Ethics of the Capital Region (H-20,047,464), the Danish Data Protection Agency (514 - 0510/20-3000), and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05356845).

Development of an International SMA Bulbar Assessment for Inter-professional Administration.

BACKGROUND: Progressive weakness can affect bulbar muscles in individuals with moderate to severe forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The paucity of standardized, valid bulbar assessments capturing clinically significant deficits in SMA impedes the ability to monitor function, facilitate intervention, or detect treatment response. OBJECTIVE: To fill this void, an international multidisciplinary team gathered to develop an agreed upon consensus-derived assessment of bulbar function in SMA for inter-professional administration to enhance our ability to monitor disease progression, support clinical management, and evaluate treatment effects. METHODS: Fifty-six international clinicians experienced in SMA were invited and engaged using the Delphi method over multiple rounds of web-based surveys to establish consensus. RESULTS: Serial virtual meetings occurred with 42 clinicians (21 speech and language therapists, 11 physical therapists, 5 neurologists, 4 occupational therapists, and 1 dentist). Seventy-two validated assessments of bulbar function were identified for potential relevance to individuals with SMA (32 accessible objective, 11 inaccessible objective, 29 patient-reported outcomes). Delphi survey rounds (n = 11, 15, 15) achieved consensus on individual items with relevance and wording discussed. Key aspects of bulbar function identified included: oral intake status, oral facial structure and motor strength, swallowing physiology, voice & speech, and fatigability. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary clinicians with expertise in bulbar function and SMA used Delphi methodology to reach consensus on assessments/items considered relevant for SMA across all age groups. Future steps include piloting the new scale moving towards validation/reliability. This work supports the advancement of assessing bulbar function in children and adults with SMA by a variety of professionals.

Dental care utilization among persons with Parkinson's disease in Denmark.

OBJECTIVES: Persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) have a higher prevalence of oral diseases and orofacial dysfunction, but knowledge about the use of dental care and whether their dental care needs are met is sparse. This study aimed to investigate the dental attendance and usage of dental care services of the total PD population in Denmark and compare it with a control group. METHODS: National registers were used to identify the total PD population in Denmark (n = 6874) and to obtain data on their dental care from 2015 to 2019. These data were compared with a five-fold age-, gender- and geographically matched control group without PD (n = 34 285). Register data on age, gender, civil status, educational level, income, nursing homes status and mortality were also collected and adjusted for in the analyses. The dental attendance was analysed using χ2 -test with Bonferroni correction, and the type of dental care services was analysed using negative binomial regression analysis. RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of persons with PD were irregular attenders of the dental care system (21.0%), compared with the control group (16.9%). Persons with PD had a significantly higher overall usage of dental cares services. Most prominent was the high usage of treatment services, where persons with PD had a 1.50 times higher incidence rate of tooth extractions and a 1.71 times higher incidence rate of tooth fillings in the five years compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Persons with PD are more often irregular users of dental care and receive more treatment services than the control group. This indicates a need for high-quality prophylactic initiatives to prevent high filling and tooth extraction rates. Furthermore, this knowledge can be used by clinicians and decision makers to ensure optimal dental care for persons with PD.

Botulinum Toxin, a Drug with Potential Interest for Dentists-An Introduction.

The review is an introduction to medical, non-cosmetic treatments with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in the orofacial region. It focuses on the current most common, best-documented and safest indications of interest for dentists in terms of dystonia and sialorrhea. These conditions are recommended to start with and suitable to gain better skill and experience with BoNT. The introduction also stresses the importance of correct diagnostics based on interdisciplinary cooperation, precise targeting of the injections, measurements of treatment effect, and control of the oral health with regard to side effects.

Validation of the Temporomandibular Disorder Pain Screener in a Specialized Headache Center.

AIMS: To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the TMD pain screener in a headache population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Danish Headache Center (DHC). Patients were included if they had primary or secondary headache, trigeminal neuralgia, or facial pain. The pain screener was compared to the outcome of a full Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) examination. RESULTS: A total of 62 headache patients were included (77% women). The sensitivity of the pain screener short version (three questions) was 85% (95% CI: 70% to 94%), and the specificity was 64% (95% CI: 41% to 83%). In the full version (six questions), the sensitivity was 83% (95% CI: 67% to 93%), and the specificity was 82% (95% CI: 60% to 95%). CONCLUSION: The TMD pain screener seems to be a valid tool to accurately screen for the presence of TMD to provide the most optimal treatment for headache patients. These findings should however be confirmed in a larger sample with migraine, tension-type headache, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Effect of orofacial physiotherapeutic and hygiene interventions on oral health-related quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) has a negative effect on oral health and orofacial function, but the subjective experience of orofacial symptoms and their impact on the quality of life is not fully investigated. In addition, knowledge of how to improve the subjective oral symptoms is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To assess the self-reported orofacial function and oral health in patients with PD. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of interventions for improvement of oral hygiene and function on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). METHODS: A randomised controlled study with delayed intervention was conducted in 29 patients with moderate to advanced PD. Patients were instructed in a standardised exercise programme for the jaw and orofacial muscles and given an individualised oral hygiene programme. The effect on self-reported orofacial function and OHRQoL was measured after 2 and 4 months using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S), the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14), self-reported drooling score and subjective mastication ability. RESULTS: Self-reported oral health and function before the intervention was significantly correlated to the severity and duration of PD. The NOT-S and drooling score were significantly improved by the interventions after 2 months and the OHIP-14 after 4 months. CONCLUSION: The interventions improve the self-reported orofacial function and OHRQoL. These simple interventions can be implemented in the allied multidisciplinary health care surrounding the PD patient.

Improvement of oral function and hygiene in Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is associated with reduced oral health and impaired oro-facial function, but besides recommendations of dental visits and drooling treatment, there are little documented odontological treatment options. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of standardised home exercise jaw opening and chewing programmes, as well as home oral hygiene measures instructed and controlled by a trained dentist. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (median 65 years) with moderate to advanced PD participated in the project after informed consent. They were followed at a Neurology Department, were able to cooperate, and had stable medical treatment and nine also deep brain stimulation. The interventions were individual dental hygiene instruction, training of jaw opening (JawTrainer), and lip and chewing exercises (Ulmer Oral Screen and Proxident Fluoride Gum). The study was performed as a randomised controlled study. The treatment effect was evaluated after 2 and 4 months. The primary outcome was maximum unassisted jaw opening capacity, chewing time of a standardised apple slice, and the Simplified Debris Index. Results were analysed with Wilcoxon matched pairs test and Mann-Whitney U test (significance level P < .05). RESULTS: Jaw opening, chewing time and hygiene were significantly improved 2 months from the start of the invention, respectively, 6%, 49%, and 25%, and the improvement was still significant after 4 months. No significant changes were found after the 2-month control period without intervention. CONCLUSION: The simple measures had a substantial and significant clinical effect which is promising despite the progressive nature of the PD.

Jaw Exercises in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders-An International Modified Delphi Study.

AIMS: To investigate whether an international consensus exists among TMD experts regarding indications, performance, follow-up, and effectiveness of jaw exercises. METHODS: A questionnaire with 31 statements regarding jaw exercises was constructed. Fourteen international experts with some geographic dispersion were asked to participate in this Delphi study, and all accepted. The experts were asked to respond to the statements according to a 5-item verbal Likert scale that ranged from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." The experts could also leave free-text comments, which was encouraged. After the first round, the experts received a compilation of the other experts' earlier responses. Some statements were then rephrased and divided to clarify the essence of the statement. Subsequently, the experts were then asked to answer the questionnaire (32 statements) again for the second round. Consensus was set to 80% agreement or disagreement. RESULTS: There is consensus among TMD experts that jaw exercises are effective and can be recommended to patients with myalgia in the jaw muscles, restricted mouth opening capacity due to hyperactivity in the jaw closing muscles, and disc displacement without reduction. The patients should always be instructed in an individualized jaw exercise program and also receive both verbal advice and written information about the treatment modality. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study showed that there is an international consensus among TMD experts that jaw exercises are an effective treatment and can be recommended to patients with TMD pain and disturbed jaw function.

Oromandibular dystonia, mental distress and oro-facial dysfunction-A follow-up 8-10 years after start of treatment with botulinum toxin.

BACKGROUND: Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) with involuntary jaw and tongue movements may be misdiagnosed as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and because of the complex muscle activity and involvement of several small muscles, OMD is also considered difficult to treat. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate OMD in patients 8-10 years after start of treatment with botulinum toxin (BoNT) by self-reported and standardised global scales and questionnaires. METHODS: Of 21 previously reported patients with OMD, 14 responded to a mail health questionnaire to describe the disease course and treatment effect as well as the overall impact of OMD by a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) for depression and anxiety, and the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS). The results were analysed with non-parametric statistical analysis (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and Spearman's rank-order correlations). RESULTS: The OMD was still present in 13 patients. In nine patients, the BoNT treatment had continued as monotherapy or combined with oral medication. VAS for OMD was significantly reduced (P < 0.04) over the years, and most patients felt improvement from the treatment. However, the patients had still some functional limitations, typically regarding jaw mobility and communication, and both JFLS and mental distress (PHQ) were significantly correlated with the OMD VAS (rS 0.77 and 0.74). CONCLUSION: The results showed marked reduction of the experienced OMD with treatment and over time, and also stressed similarities between OMD and TMD. Both dentists and neurologists should be aware of this overlap and reduce misdiagnosis by applying an interdisciplinary approach.

Interdisciplinary recognizing and managing of drug-induced tardive oromandibular dystonia: two case reports.

Tardive dystonia is a risk factor in medical antipsychotic treatment. It often begins with repetitive involuntary jaw and tongue movements resulting in impaired chewing and detrimental effect on the dentition. The orofacial dysfunction may go unrecognized in a neurological setting. The diagnosis may be difficult so we suggest interdisciplinary collaboration.

Osseous osteoarthritic-like changes and joint mobility of the temporomandibular joints and upper cervical spine: is there a relation?

OBJECTIVES: To compare 1) temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mobility between patients with and without reduced upper cervical spine (UCS) mobility and with and without TMJ osseous osteoarthritic-like changes, and 2) UCS osseous changes between patients with and without TMJ osseous osteoarthritic-like changes and with and without reduced UCS mobility. STUDY DESIGN: The study comprised 39 patients without pain from TMJ or UCS and with obstructive sleep apnea, 15 women (age range 26-72 years, mean 56.0) and 24 men (age range 27-71 years, mean 49.8). The range of motion (ROM) of the mandible and UCS was assessed clinically. Osseous changes of the TMJ and UCS were assessed by cone beam computed tomography. Differences were tested and adjusted for age and gender by multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The mandibular ROM was within normal range (45-64 mm) but the UCS ROM was reduced in 15 patients. Osseous TMJ and UCS changes were both found in 38.5% of the patients. Osseous UCS changes were found more frequently in patients with than without TMJ changes (P = .0003; odds ratio 21.9). No other significant results were found. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings of comorbid osseous changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea support a possible biomechanical relationship between the TMJ and the UCS.

Onabotulinumtoxin A Treatment of Drooling in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Prospective, Longitudinal Open-Label Study.

The aim of this prospective open-label study was to treat disabling drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with onabotulinumtoxin A (A/Ona, Botox®) into submandibular and parotid glands and find the lowest effective dosage and least invasive method. A/Ona was injected in 14 children, Mean age 9 years, SD 3 years, under ultrasonic guidance in six successive Series, with at least six months between injections. Doses and gland involvement increased from Series A to F (units (U) per submandibular/parotid gland: A, 10/0; B, 15/0; C, 20/0; D, 20/20; E, 30/20; and F, 30/30). The effect was assessed 2, 4, 8, 12, and 20 weeks after A/Ona (drooling problems (VAS), impact (0-7), treatment effect (0-5), unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow and composition)) and analyzed by two-way ANOVA. The effect was unchanged-moderate in A to moderate-marked in F. Changes in all parameters were significant in E and F, but with swallowing problems ≤5 weeks in 3 of 28 treatments. F had largest VAS and UWS reduction (64% and 49%). We recommend: Start with dose D A/Ona (both submandibular and parotid glands and a total of 80 U) and increase to E and eventually F (total 120 U) without sufficient response.

Bony deviations revealed by cone beam computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint in subjects without ongoing pain.

AIMS: To assess the prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony changes in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of adult subjects without ongoing orofacial pain or complaints from the TMJ. METHODS: The study included 84 TMJs from 28 men and 14 women (mean age [± SD]: 51 ± 11 years) without orofacial pain or TMJ complaints who were participants in a study of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. They were examined before any treatment with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and with CBCT (NewTom VGi; 15 × 15 cm, exposure time 18 seconds, axial thickness 0.3 mm). Osseous TMJ deviations were assessed blindly and classified. RESULTS: Degenerative changes were noted in the CBCT images of 33 (39.3%) of the TMJs, of which 21 were classified as osteoarthritic alterations and 12 as indeterminate changes of osteoarthritis. Two TMJs were clinically classified as osteoarthrosis and 6 as disc displacement with reduction. The CBCT images of the 2 TMJs with a clinical diagnosis of osteoarthrosis showed also bony changes, but the CBCT images also revealed osteoarthritic bony changes in the 18 TMJs without any clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION: CBCT images of asymptomatic adult TMJs commonly show degenerative bony alterations. Accordingly, such radiographic findings should be used with care and only as a supplement to clinical assessment.

Profiles of orofacial dysfunction in different diagnostic groups using the Nordic Orofacial Test (NOT-S)--a review.

OBJECTIVE: The Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) was developed as a comprehensive method to assess orofacial function. Results from the screening protocol have been presented in 11 international publications to date. This study reviewed these publications in order to compile NOT-S screening data and create profiles of orofacial dysfunction that characterize various age groups and disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NOT-S results of nine reports meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Seven of these studies not only provided data on the mean and range of total NOT-S scores, but also on the most common domains of orofacial dysfunction (highest rate of individuals with dysfunction scores), allowing the construction of orofacial dysfunction profiles based on the prevalence of dysfunction in each domain of NOT-S. RESULTS: The compiled data comprised 669 individuals, which included healthy control subjects (n = 333) and various patient groups (n = 336). All studies reported differences between individuals with diagnosed disorders and healthy control subjects. The NOT-S data could measure treatment effects and provided dysfunction profiles characterizing the patterns of orofacial dysfunction in various diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: This review corroborates previous results that the NOT-S differentiates well between patients and healthy controls and can also show changes in individuals after treatment. NOT-S could be used as a standard instrument to assess orofacial dysfunction, evaluate the outcomes of oral habilitation and rehabilitation and improve comparability in clinical practice and research.

Oromandibular dystonia--functional and clinical characteristics: a report on 21 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe subtypes, characteristics, and orofacial function of patients with oromandibular dystonia and report results of special dental importance. STUDY DESIGN: Symptoms, signs, and function were evaluated by questionnaires, video, and clinical and physiological examinations in 21 patients with primary and secondary dystonia (13 focal, 7 segmental, 1 multifocal). RESULTS: A mixture of 2 or more subtypes of jaw movements was most common (43%), and the dystonic electromyographic activity was frequent in the anterior digastric (62%) and temporal and lateral pterygoid (48%) muscles. The impact from the oromandibular dystonia was marked. The prevalence of problems with mastication and swallowing was high, as well as with hyposalivation, dental attrition, and other dental problems. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with oromandibular dystonia may present to dentists with involuntary jaw movements and other severe functional problems. Care must be adapted to the neurological disorder and may be complicated by the condition itself.