Salivary cortisol and IgA levels in myofascial pain patients treated with occlusal appliances in a short term perspective (Stockholm)

Objectives: In many studies the endocrinological response of individuals to different kind s of stresses has been tested. There seems to be widespread agreement that stress, depression, disability and dysfunctional illness behaviors are critical aspects of patients suffering from TMD (temporomandibular disorders) symptoms like pain. We wanted to explore treatment-induced changes in salivary cortisol, IgA and flow rate values in TMD patients suffering from myofascial pain. Methods: TMD paitents (n=39) were randomized into two groups and treated with two different occlusal appliances. Percieved stress regarding family work, economy, relationships, general health and stress in general was wvaluated at baseline according to a verbal scale. Paraffin stimulated saliva samples were collected before treatment and during follow-up at 6 and 10 weeks. Flow rate was measured immediately after the saliva collection while salivary sortisol, and IgA were determined from -70° C-stored samples. Results: No clear association between reported stress and cortisol or IgA values could be observed at baseline. At 10 weeks´ follow-up 92% of the patients felt better-much better-symptom free and no difference was found between the two appliance groups. Cortisol, IgA and flow-rate values showed no systematic between-appliance groups differences. All salivary parameters showed interindividual differences but stayed intraindividually on a similar level throughout the study and no statistically significant changes could be observed when comparing before and after treatment levels. Conclusion: To conclude, there were no treatment induced changes in saliva parameters despite successful appliance therapy in myofascial pain patients