Masticatory Function Before and After Masticatory Muscle-Related Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background Muscle-related temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may affect the masticatory function. Chewing function can be assessed objectively using bolus-kneading tests, such as two-colour chewing-gum mixing ability test. Objective The aim was to compare the masticatory function with a two-colour chewing-gum test before and after treatment of the masticatory muscle-related temporomandibular disorder. Methods Twenty-one patients with masticatory muscle disorder according to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) were recruited as an experimental group, and further twenty-one participants without any TMD were included as controls. Pain intensity (scored on a visual-analogue scale) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) were recorded. Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8 (JFLS-8) was conducted on all patients. Before and after treatment, masticatory function was evaluated with a validated bolus-kneading test, using two-colour chewing gum. Results There was no statistically significant difference in chewing function before and after treatment in the experimental group (p = .715). When these values were compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences (p = .489, p = .890). There was no correlation between masticatory function and VAS, MMO, JFLS-8 before and after treatment in the experimental group. Conclusion The two-colour chewing-gum test is not sensitive when the masticatory performance is not severely impaired.