The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the effects of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of TMD, and to analyze the use of different assessment tools. [Subjects and Methods] Searches were carried out of the BIREME, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO electronic databases by two independent researchers for papers published in English and Portuguese using the terms: “temporomandibular joint laser therapy” and “TMJ laser treatment”. [Results] Following the application of the eligibility criteria, 11 papers were selected for in-depth analysis. The papers analyzed exhibited considerable methodological differences, especially with regard to the number of sessions, anatomic site and duration of low-level laser therapy irradiation, as well as irradiation parameters, diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. [Conclusion] Further studies are needed, especially randomized clinical trials, to establish the exact dose and ideal parameters for low-level laser therapy and define the best assessment tools in this promising field of research that may benefit individuals with signs and symptoms of TMD.

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INTRODUÇÃO: As disfunções temporomandibulares apresentam manifestações clínicas variadas, porém com alta prevalência de alterações posturais e impacto na qualidade de vida destes indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o grau de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) e relacionar com a postura cervical e com a qualidade de vida em universitários. Método: Foram selecionados 98 indivíduos, de ambos os gêneros, com faixa etária entre 18 a 33 anos, através dos questionários, Índice Anamnético de Fonseca, que gradua a severidade da DTM e a versão brasileira do questionário de qualidade de Vida SF-36. A análise da postura de cabeça e pescoço foi realizada pelo software AlcimagemÒ, que oferece uma análise quantitativa dos ângulos. RESULTADOS: 68,36% apresentaram DTM Leve, 23,47% Moderada e 8,16% Severa;os mesmos apresentaram prejuízo principalmente nos domínios Vitalidade e Dor (X²= 0,03), sendo que Aspectos Emocionais e Sociais foram os domínios mais preservados. A média do ângulo cervical em indivíduos com DTM foi 90,76°(±7,72), sendo que há um aumento do ângulo cervical relacionado ao aumento do grau de severidade da DTM, porém não significante estatisticamente (r= 0,09). CONCLUSÃO: Houve uma prevalência maior de Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) leve, sendo que em relação ao ângulo cervical, houve um aumento com a severidade do grau de DTM, com piora da qualidade de vida nesta população.

[Purpose] Temporomandibular disorder is one of the many different adverse health conditions that can be triggered by stress. Therefore, a biopsychosocial model has been proposed to characterize the multifactorial nature of temporomandibular disorder. The aim of the present study was investigate the correlation of salivary cortisol levels with the activities of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles of patients with different degrees of temporomandibular disorder. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-nine women between 18 and 40 years of age with a diagnosis of myogenous temporomandibular disorder based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders were evaluated using the Fonseca Index to determine the degree of the disorder. Salivary cortisol levels were determined and surface electromyography was used to evaluate electrical activity in the masticatory muscles. [Results] Positive correlations were found among the degree of temporomandibular disorder, electromyographic activity and salivary cortisol: as women with more severe temporomandibular disorder had greater electrical activity in the muscles analyzed, especially the anterior temporal muscle, and higher levels of cortisol. [Conclusion] Muscle activity was greater among individuals with severe temporomandibular disorder and positive correlations were found among electromyographic activity, salivary cortisol and the degree of temporomandibular disorder severity.