Sergio Paduano1, Rosaria Bucci2, Roberto Rongo2, Roberta Silva3, Ambra Michelotti2. 1. a Department of Health , "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy. 2. b School of Orthodontics, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Oral Sciences , University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy. 3. c Private practice, Reggio , Calabria , Italy.
Abstract
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.
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.
Authors: Roger Alonso-Royo; Carmen María Sánchez-Torrelo; Alfonso Javier Ibáñez-Vera; Noelia Zagalaz-Anula; Yolanda Castellote-Caballero; Esteban Obrero-Gaitán; Daniel Rodríguez-Almagro; Rafael Lomas-Vega Journal: Diagnostics (Basel) Date: 2021-03-08