Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and oral parafunctions in adolescents from public schools in Southern Italy.

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional epidemiologic study was to estimate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and oral parafunctions in Italian adolescents and to assess the associations between age, gender, oral habits, and TMD.

Methods

Three hundred sixty-one adolescents, aged 14-18 years, were examined for TMDs according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Furthermore, oral habits were explored by means of a written questionnaire.

Results

Almost one-third of the sample (27.4%) showed at least one TMD diagnosis, with myofascial pain being the most prevalent. Gum chewing was the most prevalent oral habit. The female gender and oral habits were significantly associated with TMD.

Conclusion

TMD in adolescents, although lower than in adults, are significantly prevalent. General practitioners should include TMD screening methods in their routine dental examinations of adolescent patients. Adolescents should be instructed on how to avoid incorrect oral behaviors that might predispose them to the onset of TMD.