Verification of the clinical frequency of children's temporomandibular dysfunction

The Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) is a set of signs and symptoms that involve the temporomandibular muscles, the TMJ and associated structures. It can be characterized by muscle and articulation pain, limitation and deviation of the mandibular trajectory, articular noises, headache and earache. Its etiology it not defined, but some conditions such as malocclusion, parafunctions and emotional state are present with a certain frequency in patients with signs of dysfunction. Objectives: As there is a high percentage of children who show TMD-associated signs and symptoms, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of such signs and symptoms, of the oral parafunctions and the occlusal characteristics of children in the deciduous and mixed phase. Methods: Eighty children patients at the FOA-UNESP's Preventive Orthodontics Clinic were examined. Clinical testing consisted of evaluation of the patient's occlusal characteristics and observation of the presence of oral parafunctions. The children were submitted to a parent-supervised interview whose questions were related to signs and symptoms of the dysfunction. Results: The results were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and table-distribuited. It is possible to notice that the most frequent signs and symptoms were the habit of griding the teeth, headache and TMJ noises. Nail biting and bruxism were the most prevalent parafunctions. Conclusions: We noticed that a high number of children presented TMD signs and symptoms and its frequency can be verified by means of interview and detailed clinical testing.