High prevalence of orofacial complaints in patients with fibromyalgia: a case-control study

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the orofacial complaints and characteristics of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) compared with controls. Study Design. We evaluated 25 patients diagnosed with FS compared with 25 gender-and age-matched controls by using a detailed clinical protocol for orofacial pain diagnosis and dental examination. Results. FS patients had a higher frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), masticatory complaints, pain with mandibular movements, and pain upon palpation of the head and neck area. There were no significant differences related to the dental exam. Conclusions. Orofacial complaints including TMD may be present either as symptoms of FS or as a comorbidity associated with this condition. A comprehensive evaluation of patients with FS is necessary to identify the need for specific treatments for orofacial complaints. Future studies, especially those with longitudinal design, should clarify whether a cause-effect relationship exists between orofacial complaints and fibromyalgia. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2012;114:e29-e34)