BackgroundThe prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) increases during adolescence and adulthood. Few studies have examined TMD prevalence in Brazilian adolescents.AimTo investigate the prevalence of TMD in Brazilian adolescents.MethodsA representative population-based sample of 934 adolescents (10–14-years-old) was examined. TMD screening was performed using a questionnaire by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. TMD diagnoses used research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD—Axis-I). Examinations were performed by a single calibrated examiner (kappa > 0.80).ResultsThe prevalence of TMD symptoms was 34.9%; the most frequently reported symptoms were headache and neck ache (20.9%), followed by joint sounds (18.5%). Myofascial pain was the most prevalent type (10.3%), followed by disc displacement with reduction (8.0%) and arthralgia (3.5%). There was a significant association between sex and TMD symptoms; prevalence was significantly higher in girls (RP = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.14–1.65; p = 0.001). Myofascial pain of TMD and displacement with reduction were more prevalent in girls (RP = 1.76; p = 0.007 and RP = 2.06; p = 0.004, respectively).ConclusionTMD symptoms were present in 34.9% of adolescents, with myofascial pain being the most prevalent type (10.3%). TMD was significantly more common in girls. Routine pediatric dental care should include a TMD screening.

Anxiety is strongly associated with TMD in adolescents. Presence of Class II or III is associated with higher prevalence of myofascial pain in adolescentsPLESAE check and approve the edit made in the article title.

Summary Background Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial condition involving environmental, psychological and genetic factors. Objective The aim of this case‐control study was to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms in 5HTT and COMT on TMD and anxiety in adolescents. Methods TMD was diagnosed and classified according to the RDC/TMD criteria. For case group, the following TMD categories were used: myofascial pain, disc displacement, arthralgia and painful TMD (myofascial and arthralgia). Anxiety levels were assessed according to the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Genomic DNA was extracted, and genetic polymorphisms were genotyped by TaqMan chemistry and endpoint analysis. Logistic multivariate regression was used to analyse the associations between TMD types and genotypes, anxiety level and genotypes, using an adjusted odds ratio (ORa; CI 95%) that considered the gender. Results In 5HTT, the rs1042173 was associated with painful TMD (arthralgia and myofascial pain) (ORc = 1.97; CI 95%: 1.02‐3.77; P = 0.04). Polymorphisms in COMT rs4818 were significantly associated with myofascial pain (ORc = 2.15; CI 95%: 1.08‐4.29; P = 0.02) and were borderline for painful TMD (ORc = 1.85; CI 95%: 0.97‐3.51; P = 0.06) and disc displacement (ORc = 2.42; CI 95%: 1.00‐5.87; P = 0.05). The rs6269 was borderline for myofascial pain (ORc = 1.82; CI 95%: 0.92‐3.59; P = 0.08) and disc displacement (ORc = 2.38; CI 95% 0.95‐5.97; P = 0.06) and also was associated with anxiety (ORa = 2.34; CI 95% 1.04‐5.25; P = 0.03). Conclusion Polymorphisms in 5HTT and COMT are associated with TMD in adolescents. Moreover, polymorphism in COMT is associated with anxiety in adolescents.

There is a higher frequency of TMD in pediatric patients with headaches; thus, it is important to look for TMD signs and symptoms in this population.

Victims of child abuse had a worse oral health status, demonstrating the need to establish special policies for oral healthcare for this population.