Prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro: um estudo transversal de base populacional

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of heterogeneous pathological conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), mastication muscles and some associated structures. There are few accurate data on the prevalence of signs and symptoms of this dysfunction. Most studies refer to specific populations or with a low or restricted number of participants. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct a study with the aim of measuring the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, such as their knowledge in a stratum of the population of a metropolitan city. Objective: To measure the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, their knowledge, practices and attitudes. Methods: An extract of the population of Rio de Janeiro divided by conglomerates was interviewed through an online form. Results: The results showed that only 19% of the volunteers had no signs and symptoms related to TMD, 28% had at least 1 sign and symptom; 38.12% had 2 or 3 signs and symptoms and 14% had 4 or 5 signs and symptoms. According to the analyzes and other outcomes tested, the symptomatological presence is independent of socioeconomic or regional factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of signs and symptoms are directly related to knowledge and practices about temporomandibular disorders, and that this symptomatological presence may not be related to pain, which makes us believe in a great possibility of underreporting of cases of temporomandibular disorders.