ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The temporomandibular disorder (TMD) comprises clinical signs and symptoms involving masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures, does not affect all people equally, and all individuals are not equally susceptible to it. The aim of this study was to investigate signs and symptoms present in individuals with TMD.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional study with 471 individuals with TMD, 394 women and 77 men, based on data from clinical records, diagnostic exams and treatment of patients seen at the Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil, from 2000 to 2017.
RESULTS:
Data showed that 84% of the individuals were women. The most prevalent age group was 20-39 years old (45%, p<0.01). The most reported main complaints were TMJ pain (29.9%, p<0.01) for both genders, and facial pain (18%, p<0.01). The most common signs and symptoms were muscle pain, TMJ pain, facial pain and clicks in women and parafunctional habits in men, followed by limited mouth opening and tension headache. Dentate patients were the majority in the study (58%, p<0.01), followed by partial edentates (30%, p<0.01).
CONCLUSION:
The data found showed a high prevalence of TMD and the importance of its prevention in order to improve the health and well-being of the population.
Keywords:
Facial pain; Temporomandibular joint; Temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome