Severity of TMD Related to Age, Sex and Electromyographic Analysis

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are manifested as a group of signs and symptoms that affect a particular population profile. Some variables such as sex and age influence the clinical expression of this condition. This observational descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to correlate the severity of TMD established by the craniomandibular index (CMI) with the variables: age, sex and electromyographic activity of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles. Fifty-four subjects (15 males/39 females) aged between 16 to 65 years (mean age = 41 years) and diagnosed with TMD were evaluated. Severity was determined by the CMI. These subjects also underwent examination by surface electromyography of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles. No correlation was found between age and severity of TMD (p=0.19/r=0.16), however there was a trend of greater severity in young adults (25-50 years). The sex variable in the correlation was positive with the CMI (p=0.03/r=-0.96) and superior to women. A greater EMG activity of the anterior temporal in relation to masseter (p=0.01) was found and the left temporal activity had the highest average (161.5 ± 44.6 Hz). The electromyographic activity of the anterior temporal and right masseter muscles was positively correlated with the Dysfunction Index CMI (p=0.01). The use of CMI to quantify the severity of TMD and of EMG to assess the functionality of the masticatory muscles can be important allies to direct the treatment.

The association between temporomandibular disorders and joint hypermobility syndrome: a nationwide population-based study

“…Moreover, females had 1.6 times higher chance of acquiring TMDs compared to males (Table 3). Our result was in line with previous reports suggesting that TMD is more prevalent in females than in males [24][25][26]. Fluctuations in TMD symptoms were also noted depending on gender.…”

Disfunção temporomandibular e dor craniocervical em profissionais da área da enfermagem sob estresse no trabalho

“…The mean score value of the severity of TMD (0.52), obtained by TI in this sample, can be classified as moderate and was similar to the values found in men and women with TMD (TI=0.48) 24 . The authors classified the severity of TMD through the TI scores as: medium, from 0 to 0.3; moderate, from 0.3 to 0.6; and severe, from 0.6 to 1.…”

The difference of matrix metalloproteinase-9 level in saliva between myofascial pain and disc displacement of temporomandibular joint disorders

“…The electromyographic activity of the anterior temporal and right masseter muscles correlates positively with temporomandibular joint disorders. 10 There was a difference in severity of temporomandibular joint disorders between women and men. Women have higher values than men, this difference may be due to behavioral, hormonal, anatomical, and psychological factors.…”