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, LILACS 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.

Keywords:
Athletes; Bruxism; Oral health; Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome