Objectives: 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. Study Design: 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.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic condition characterized by a deficient sugar metabolism, which affects the immune system and favors the development of yeasts. The aim of the present study was to perform biochemical, morphological, exoenzyme analyses of Candida species and the molecular identification (DNA) of C. albicans in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. The exoenzyme quantification was compared to non-diabetic patients as controls. Two hundred and seventy-four patients who make use of complete dentures were evaluated, 28 of whom had diabetes and erythematous oral candidiasis. Other thirty patients presented the same clinical feature but without diabetes. Samples were isolated for biochemical identification (auxonogram), morphological identification (production of germ tubes) and PCR molecular identification (DNA). The capability of the Candida samples in producing phospholipases and proteinases was also determined. The diabetic patients had a greater diversity of Candida species (Fischer's exact test, P = 0.04). The production of proteinases by C. albicans in patients with diabetes was greater than in the control group (unpaired "t" test P < 0.003). However, there was no difference between groups for phospholipase production (unpaired "t" test P > 0.05). It was concluded that patients with controlled DM exhibited systemic conditions predisposing C. albicans proteinase increased production.

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In recent decades, there have been important developments in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging. New techniques complement preexisting methods, and each modality is indicated for specific conditions in accordance with the clinical diagnosis. The aim of this review is to give an overview of conventional and new techniques in TMJ imaging. The literature review includes studies published between 1976 and 2009 that appear in the Medline database. Magnetic resonance imaging remains the ''gold standard'' modality for TMJ analysis. It allows structures to be visualized without radiation whether or not they are mineralized; however, it is costly and complex. Ultrasonography, an alternative method with increasing importance in TMJ analysis, is a simple, noninvasive, and low-cost technique that allows for the visualization of the position of the disk; however, it does not detect condylar abnormalities. Reconstructions in three-dimensions can be obtained with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography and can be used to obtain rapid prototyping biomodels. Health professionals performing TMJ imaging exams should consider clinical history and findings, exam cost, radiation exposure, results of previous exams, and whether the current result will influence diagnosis and treatment planning.