Prevalence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and comparison of the findings with healthy controls.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in ankylosing spondylitis patients and healthy controls, examining the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients, as well as associations with psychosocial factors.

Methods: The study included 113 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 110 healthy individuals aged 18-75. Temporomandibular dysfunction presence was evaluated using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I. Disease activity was assessed with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index.

Results: Among healthy individuals, 60.9% did not receive a temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis, while 39.1% received at least one diagnosis. In contrast, 69.9% of the 113 ankylosing spondylitis patients received at least one temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis, and only 30.1% were not included in any diagnosis group (p<0.001). Joint (p=0.001) and pain disorders (p=0.008) were significantly more common in the ankylosing spondylitis group than in the healthy controls. Significant associations emerged between Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (p<0.001) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (p=0.005) scores and pain disorders.

Conclusion: Temporomandibular dysfunction is more prevalent in ankylosing spondylitis patients than in healthy individuals, linked to increased joint issues and pain associated with disease activity.

Clinicaltrials.gov id: NCT05839925.