Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in university students – a correlational study

Abstract

Introduction: The term temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) has been associated with a set of musculoskeletal manifestations located at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These manifestations can be translated as symptoms of pain of the masticatory muscles at the TMJ or associated structures, restriction of movement, muscle tension, and articular sounds. All of these signs and symptoms may occur isolated or in combination [1]. About 60 to 70% of the World population will demonstrate at least one sign or symptom of TMD during their life span. However, only 5% will actually seek treatment for their condition. To that extent, some authors have investigated the prevalence of TMD in the Brazilian University population, using the Fonseca Questionnaire (FQ) [2]. This research tool can help to define the level of severity of TMD and obtained a significant level of correlation with the Helkimo Index (r = 0.6169, p < 0.05), which can be used to assess TMD in a specified population [2]. As such, the purposes of this study were to analyze the prevalence of TMD symptoms in University students and to verify if a correlation existed between the descriptive variables.

Materials and methods: An informed consent form and the questionnaires (sample characterization and FQ) were distributed during classes to all participants (n = 200), irrespectively of their course year. The initial analysis of the Fonseca Questionnaire answers provided the categorization into two groups (with TMD and without TMD). This categorization enabled the posterior analysis of correlational data between the answers of the FQ and their status in relation to TMD. This study followed all the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results: We were able to obtain answers from 156 students (78% response rate), with an average age of 22 years. The majority were females (65%). A total of 65 students (42%) were classified as suffering from TMD. Of those with TMD, 53(34%) were classified as mild, 11(7%) as moderate, and 1(0.6%) as severe conditions. We found correlations between gender and frequent headaches (p = 0.004) and being nervous (p = 0.004). We also found that TMJ pain correlated with difficulties opening their mouth (p = 0.000), mandibular movement (p = 0.000), and TMJ sounds (p = 0.000). Correlations were also found between age and teeth loss (p = 0.02).

Discussion and conclusions: A significant prevalence of TMD symptoms was identified in University students with different levels of severity. The most common level of severity was classified as “mild”. These results are in agreement with other studies [3]. We also found some correlations concerning pain to movement disorders and sounds surrounding the TMJ which may predispose subjects to develop TMD. Further studies, using other tools, are advised to research these issues.