Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in athletes: integrative review

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Temporomandibular disorder is considered to be a set of clinical manifestations that affect the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and adjacent structures, whose signs and symptoms can negatively impact the quality of life of their patients. A population group in which the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder has increased in recent years is that of athletes. The aim of the present study was to conduct an integrative literature review to verify the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in athletes, as well as factors related to their predisposition. CONTENTS: The searches were performed in the Medline, LILA-CS and Scielo databases, using the descriptors "temporomandibular joint", "athletic injuries" and "temporomandibular disease". Inclusion criteria were researches derived from primary data regardless of design, which was the target audience of athletes and that addressed the presence of temporomandibular joint or muscle dysfunction. Ten studies were selected and included in the review. The results obtained with the analysis of these articles showed that athletes are subject to temporomandibular disorders not only due to injuries suffered during competitions, but also due to factors associated with stress and the use of specific devices for sports practice. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of temporomandibular disorders is common among athletes, but can be avoided with the use of preventive measures and conservative treatments. Dental monitoring is essential for these professionals to perform well, preventing the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders or treating them when they occur.

TMJ Disorders in Athletes

“…According to Lietz-Kijak et al (8), men with headaches associated with TMD are up to 10% of the general population and women are up to 15%. In scuba divers, TMD's prevalence is close to 20% due to barotrauma (2). The 1990 data published by the American Dental Association said that 44% to 99% of TMJ problems are caused by trauma with a higher risk in contact sports (9).…”

“…Dental and orofacial trauma are common in group sports, particularly contact sports (2). Up to 18% of sports-related injuries are in the maxillofacial area (10).…”

“…Scuba divers are prone to TMD due to tightening and biting, especially when their mask is in a lower position (2). TMD can cause pain with chewing and palpation, pain and fatigue in the TMJ and masticatory muscles, increased masticatory muscle tone, occlusal parafunctions, overgrowth of the masseter, otalgia, tinnitus, aural fullness, vertigo, subjective hearing impairment, crackling or clicking of the TMJ, wear on the teeth from bruxism, headache, tinnitus, and psychological changes (2,4,5,8). TMJ may cause pain with capsulitis, synovitis, meniscal derangement, tendonitis, degenerative joint disease, and infection (6).…”

“…TMDs are complex and should have an interdisciplinary approach so that predisposing and contributing factors can be managed (2)(3)(4)(5)8). Myofascial versus articular disorders of the joint itself should be determined (4).…”

“…Dysfunctions can cause pain in the preauricular area and masticatory muscles, limitations and/or deviations with mandibular movement, noises during chewing, joint edema, or a combination of these. Changes in posture, balance, and physical performance can be seen with changes in lower jaw position due to changes in synchronization of head and jaw muscles with other muscles in the body (2). Postural alterations can lead to hypotonic or hypertonic muscles, cervical spine restrictions, visceral insufficiency, and neuronal irritation (6).…”