Gender difference in jaw pain induced by clenching.
Seven normal male and seven normal female volunteers performed three types of biting exercises: an intermittent contraction at maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) to pain intolerance; a ramp intermittent contraction starting at 10% MVBF and increasing 10% every 10 s; and a sustained biting at 100% MVBF to pain intolerance. The following measurements were made on the first and second days before exercise: a pre- and post-exertional overall jaw pain level; maximum pain-free jaw opening; bilateral masseter pressure pain threshold (PPT) and intolerance (PPI). The results showed that only females presented an increased overall pain level on the second day and a significant decrease in pain-free jaw opening, but no significant decrease of PPT and PPI. These results suggest that females respond differently than males to exertional jaw pain, by increasing their pain response 24 h later.
Plesh
O
O
Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of California, School of Dentistry, San Francisco 94143-0758, USA.
Curtis
D A
DA
Hall
L J
LJ
Miller
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001732:Bite Force; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold; D010807:Physical Endurance; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012727:Sex Characteristics