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Updated: May 22, 2026

Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior
Published on: June 10, 2013
Orofacial pain and dysfunction in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a case-control study
E Leksell1, M Ernberg, B Magnusson
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden. eva.leksell@ltblekinge.se
Insights
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often causes temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction. This study found TMJ pain and orofacial symptoms significantly impact daily life for JIA patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dentistry
- Orofacial Pain
Background:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) commonly involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to inflammation.
- Orofacial pain and dysfunction are potential complications of TMJ involvement in JIA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of orofacial pain and temporomandibular dysfunction in JIA patients.
- To compare these findings with a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 41 JIA patients and 41 age/sex-matched controls were evaluated.
- Data collection included questionnaires on facial pain, clinical examination, panoramic radiography, and medical records.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of TMJ or facial pain was observed in JIA patients (33/41) compared to controls (4/41).
- Nearly a quarter of JIA patients reported severe impact of orofacial symptoms on daily life.
- Clinical findings and disease activity correlated with jaw muscle pain and reduced jaw opening.
Conclusions:
- Temporomandibular joint pain is highly prevalent in JIA patients.
- Orofacial symptoms significantly affect the quality of life for JIA patients.
- Integrated medical and dental care is crucial for managing JIA-related TMJ issues.
Objectives:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently causes temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of orofacial pain and temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with JIA and controls. METHODS. Forty-one patients with JIA and 41 age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated. Subjects were asked about facial pain variables and their influence on daily life. A clinical examination was performed. Panoramic radiograph and medical data were extracted from the records.
Results:
Thirty-three of the JIA patients reported TMJ or facial pain compared to four of the controls (p < 0.001). Nine of the JIA patients, compared to none of the controls, reported that their orofacial symptoms influenced daily life severely (p < 0.001). Clinical findings were more prevalent in JIA (p < 0.001). The assessments of disease activity correlated to palpation pain of jaw muscles (p < 0.001) whereas the presence of structural TMJ changes correlated to reduced jaw opening (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
TMJ pain was prevalent in patients with JIA and influenced daily life severely for nearly a quarter of them. Collaboration between medical and dental care is therefore important.
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