title: The use of superficial heat for treatment of temporomandibular disorders: an integrative review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To perform an integrative review of scientific bibliographic production on the use of superficial heat treatment for temporomandibular disorders. Research strategy : Literature review was accomplished on PubMed, LiLACS, SciELO, Bireme, Web of Science, and BBO databases. The following descriptors were used: hot temperature, hyperthermia induced, heat transference, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular joint disorders, temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, and their equivalents in Portuguese and Spanish.
  
  
  METHODS
  Articles that addressed the superficial heat for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, between 1980 and 2013.
  
  
  METHODS
  The following data were collected: technique of applying superficial heat, duration of application, stimulated body area, temperature of the stimulus, frequency of application, and benefits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  initially, 211 studies were found, but just 13 contemplated the proposed selection criteria. Data were tabulated and presented in chronological order.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several techniques for superficial heat application on treatment of temporomandibular disorders were found in the literature. The moist heat was the most widely used technique. Many studies suggested the application of heat for at least 20 minutes once a day. Most authors recommended the application of heat in facial and cervical regions. The heat treatment resulted in significant relief of pain, reduced muscle tension, improved function of the mandible, and increased mouth opening.
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renata Maria Moreira Moraes
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Furlan
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Raquel Safar
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Giovanardi
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Teresa Brandão de Oliveira e
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Britto
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Denise Brandão de
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Oliveira e Britto
mesh_terms: D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy*