Relationship between temporomandibular dysfunctions, sleep disorders, and anxiety among dentistry students

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), anxiety, and sleep disorder (DS) among dentistry students, relating the periods in which they are enrolled.

Methods: The study consisted of 90 students: Group 1: 30 first-period students; Group 2: 30 fifth-period students; Group 3: 30 students from the ninth period. The participants responded to the RDC/TMD, Fletcher & Luckett questionnaires, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory to analyze symptoms of TMD, DS, and anxiety.

Results: There was an association between TMD, DS, and the period studied. When related to moderate and severe anxiety, the group that had the highest incidence was Group 1 (first period students).

Conclusion: The apprehension for what is new can influence the TMD and DS indices, while the greater concern for academic/professional performance can generate higher levels of anxiety.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular dysfunction
• anxiety
• sleep disorder

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Unified Scholarship Program for the Support and Training of Graduation Students - University of São Paulo (PUB-USP);Programa Unificado de Bolsas de Estudos para Apoio e Formação de Estudantes de Graduação - Universidade de São Paulo (PUB-USP).