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


METHODS
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.
Pereira
Luciano José
LJ
Centro Universitário de Lavras, Unilavras, MG, Brazil. lucianojosepereira@yahoo.com.br
Costa
Rodrigo Campos
RC
França
Julieta Petruceli
JP
Pereira
Stela Márcia
SM
Castelo
Paula Midori
PM
D002012:Bruxism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking; D005544:Forecasting; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012307:Risk Factors; D013016:Sound; D013391:Sucking Behavior; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology