title: Association between Tooth Loss and Degree of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comparative Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between tooth loss and the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred fifty patients with an average age of 49.2 (±14.06) years were divided into three groups (n = 50/group) according to the degree of tooth loss: GI (dentate -control), GII (edentulous), GIII (partially dentate). After performing anamnesis and clinical examination, a questionnaire was used, so that the patients could fill in information on signs and symptoms of TMD. After analyzing this information, it was possible to classify the degree of severity of TMD. As age is a confounding variable to the level of TMD, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to check for differences in the degree of TMD between groups (covariate = age). A post hoc test (Bonferroni) was performed to compare the groups two by two (5% significance level).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean level of TMD according to the groups was GI - 1.95; GII - 2.15; GIII - 2.55. There were significant differences between the study groups (p > 0.05). A post hoc test (Bonferroni) confirmed the difference between edentulous patients and the other groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The tooth loss is directly related to the signs and symptoms of TMD. The degree of TMD was significantly higher in edentulous patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, University CEUMA, São Luis Maranhão, Brazil.
authors.forename: Adriana Santos
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Malheiros
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, University CEUMA, São Luis Maranhão, Brazil.
authors.forename: Stéphanye Tavares
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Carvalhal
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, University CEUMA, São Luis Maranhão, Brazil.
authors.forename: Teonnes Lima
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Department of Post Graduation Program in Dentistry University CEUMA, São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil.
authors.forename: Etevaldo Matos Maia
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Filho
authors.affiliation: Department of Post Graduation Program in Integrated Dental Science University of Cuiaba, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso Brazil.
authors.forename: Mateus Rodrigues
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Tonetto
authors.affiliation: Department of Post Graduation Program in Dentistry University CEUMA, São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil.
authors.forename: Letícia Machado
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.affiliation: Department of Post Graduation Program in Dentistry University CEUMA, São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil.
authors.forename: Matheus Coelho
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bandeca
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Post Graduation Program in Dentistry University CEUMA, Avenida dos Holandeses No.07, Edificio Metropolitam, Calhau, São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil, CEP: 65071-380, Phone: (55)9832272360, e-mail: rudysd@uol.combr.
authors.forename: Rudys Rodolfo
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: De Jesus Tavarez
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000150:complications*
keywords: Edentulism; Signs and symptoms of TMD; Temporomandibular disorders.