Incidence of Dentoalveolar Trauma and its Correlation with Temporomandibular Disorders – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a diverse set of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles and associated structures. Previous studies suggested a notable correlation between dentoalveolar trauma (DAVT) and the incidence of TMDs. This systematic review aims to further elucidate this relationship. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases to identify relevant studies published up to 2023. The included studies investigated the association between DAVT and TMDs in diverse populations. Data were extracted based on study characteristics, participant demographics and key findings. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the established assessment tools. Five studies were included in the final review. The studies revealed a strong association between DAVT and TMDs across different populations, including adolescents, students and high-contact sports practitioners. The correlation was evident in the form of significantly higher odds ratios, increased prevalence of specific TMD subtypes and more severe symptoms in individuals with a history of DAVT. Furthermore, the studies highlighted the significant role of high-contact sports and trauma history in TMD’s prevalence and severity. The findings from this systematic review provide compelling evidence of the significant correlation between DAVT and TMD. The results underline the importance of early detection and management of DAVT, particularly in high-risk groups such as high-contact sports practitioners, to prevent the development and progression of TMDs. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of this association and developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.