Association of parafunctional habits and TMD class II patients

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the most common chronic orofacial pain, found by dentists and other health professionals. Its etiology has a multifactorial character, and may involve, from hereditary factors, parafunctional habits, malocclusions, to anxiety and stress. Objective: This study investigated the TMD frequency and its relationship among parafunctional habits in a population of skeletal class II patients. Method: A sample composed by a class II patients was selected in a non probabilistic manner. Seventy-three members agreed to participate in the research, submitting themselves to a physical examination that consists in the application of Axis I (RDC / TMD). Results: Forty-six percent of patients diagnosed with a positive diagnosis. The average age of the patients was 27 years ± 8.73 years, 82% female and 80% white. Thirty-four patients reported some parafunctional activity. Of these, biting nail represented the group most frequently, followed by bruxism, interposition of objects between the teeth and lastly clenching. As variables did not present a statistically significant association with the primary outcome studied. Conclusion: In the sample studied, it is observed that there is no association between TMD occurrence and parafunctional habits in skeletal class II patients.