Are Occlusal Characteristics, Headache, Parafunctional Habits and Clicking Sounds Associated with the Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder in Adolescents?

Abstract

[Purpose] To assess the association between the oclusal characteristics, headache, parafunctional habits and clicking sounds and signs/symptoms of TMD in adolescents. [Subjects] Adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age. [Methods] The participants were evaluated using the Helkimo Index and a clinical examination to track clicking sounds, parafunctional habits and other signs/symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Subjects were classified according to the presence or absence of headache, type of occlusion, facial pattern and type of bite. In statistical analyse we used the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a level of significance of 5%. [Results] The sample was made up of 81 adolescents with a mean age of 15.64 years; 51.9% were male. The prevalence of signals/symptoms of TMD was 74.1%, predominantly affecting females. Signals/symptoms of TMD were significantly associated with clicking sounds, headache and nail biting. No associations were found between signals/symptoms of TMD and angle classification, type of bite and facial pattern. [Conclusion] Headache is one of the most closely associated symptoms of TMD. Clicking sounds were found in the majority of cases. Therefore, the sum of two or more factors may be necessary for the onset and perpetuation of TMD.

Association Between Harmful Oral Habits and Sign and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Among Adolescents

“…In present study there was statistically significant association between harmful oral habits (nail biting;object/ lip biting;grinding of teeth) and sign and symptoms of TMD with higher frequency of sign and symptoms observed among females which was accordance to study done by Lauriti et al, [15]. Previous published literature had enumerated factors like hormonal, genetic, emotional factors which contribute to higher prevalence of TMD among females [16][17][18].…”

Anxiety and malocclusion are associated with temporomandibular disorders in adolescents diagnosed by RDC/TMD. A cross‐sectional study

“…Furthermore, there is a high prevalence of malocclusion in children and adolescents, which is considered a public health problem in the world and the third priority in oral care. Occlusal abnormalities may be associated with TMD, headache, facial growth and muscles function alterations …”

Correlation of stress and muscle activity of patients with different degrees of temporomandibular disorder

“…Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can be triggered by stress and is characterized by a variety of symptoms involving the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint and adjacent structures 6 , 7 ) . The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) is considered the most complete assessment tool for the classification of TMD (muscle disorder, joint disc alteration, arthralgia, arthritis and osteoarthrosis) 8 ) .…”