Temporomandibular disorders and relationship with socio-demographic and clinical variables in a University of the state of Rio de Janeiro

Disfunções temporomandibulares e a relação com determinantes sócio-demográficos e clínicos em uma universidade do estado do Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of suspected temporomandibular disorders in employees and students of a Brazilian university and at evaluating the influence of socio-demographic and clinical variables on this disorder.

METHODS:

This study had a non-probabilistic sample of 575 volunteers who were evaluated by a questionnaire proposed by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

RESULTS:

Suspected temporomandibular disorder was present in 60.87% of the population. By means of multiple logistic regression analysis, just clinical variables were associated to the presence of suspected temporomandibular disorder, such as: headache, neck pain or teethache (OR=47.60), stiff, tight or regularly tired jaws (OR=13.37), mouth opening difficulty (OR=13.55) and pain around the ears, temples or cheeks (OR=4.61).

CONCLUSION:

The questionnaire was effective as a pre-screening tool to identify symptoms, and results support the importance of clinical symptoms for the identification and follow up of patients with such disorders.

Keywords:
Epidemiology; Headache; Neck pain; Temporomandibular joint; Temporomandibular joint disorders