Family History of Chronic Pain: What Impact Does It Have on Current Clinical Status? Results From an Italian Study.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have been defined by the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) as “a set of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and all associated tissues” []. Approximately 44% of the population is affected, yet only a quarter seek professional help []. TMD may result in orofacial pain, jaw discomfort, and reduced quality of life. The etiology of TMD is complex and multifactorial, with factors such as nocturnal bruxism, jaw clenching, stress, anxiety, and depression frequently associated with symptom development and exacerbation [, ]. Among parafunctional jaw activities, bruxism is one of the most frequently reported conditions. Previous studies have estimated a prevalence of approximately 18.6% in adults, with sleep bruxism affecting approximately 15.9% and awake bruxism approximately 23.8% of the population []. Bruxism is currently defined as a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching, grinding, bracing, or thrusting of the mandible, and may occur during wakefulness or sleep []. Although the relationship between bruxism and temporomandibular disorders remains complex and not fully established, some individuals with bruxism-related behaviors may report symptoms such as muscle fatigue, jaw discomfort, headaches, and dental wear [, ]. Management of temporomandibular and bruxism-related symptoms is generally based on a multifactorial and individualized approach aimed at reducing pain, improving masticatory function, and minimizing the impact of symptoms on daily life. Conservative approaches are usually considered the first-line option and may include physiotherapy, behavioral counseling, control of parafunctional habits, use of occlusal appliances, pharmacological therapy such as analgesics or muscle relaxants, and psychosocial interventions focused on stress management [, ]. More invasive procedures are typically reserved for selected cases with persistent or severe symptoms that do not respond adequately to conservative management.