Risk indicators for signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction in children.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the risk indicators for signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in children between 4 and 12 years of age.

STUDY

DESIGN

One hundred six patients were assessed for the following variables: (1) signs and symptoms of TMD (deviation when opening mouth, joint noises, limitation of movement, pain in the mandible or during movement), (2) dentition and occlusal abnormalities, and 3) habits (pacifier sucking, nonnutritive sucking, finger sucking, nail biting, and teeth grinding (bruxing). Multivariate logistic regression was performed with the level of significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of at least one sign or symptom of TMD in the present sample was 12.26% (n = 13). Only bruxing (P = 0.01, odds ratio 6.08, CI 1.51-24.51) and posterior crossbite (P = 0.03, odds ratio 5.74, CI, 1.18-27.85) achieved statistical significance in the multivariate regression model and were considered risk indicators for signs and symptoms of TMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with bruxing or clenching habits and those with posterior crossbite have a greater likelihood of developing signs and symptoms of TMD.