Occlusal contact in children with Temporomandibular Disorders. A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Occlusion
• Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Background:

• Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are complex conditions affecting the jaw joint and muscles.
• Occlusal contact patterns may play a role in the development or manifestation of TMD.
• Understanding these relationships in children is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively analyze occlusal contact points in children with and without signs and symptoms of TMD.
• To investigate the association between the number of occlusal contacts and the presence of TMD in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 150 children aged 6-14 years.
• Utilized the Helkimo questionnaire and clinical examination for TMD assessment.
• Recorded occlusal contact points using carbon strips during maximal intercuspation, documenting findings on occlusograms.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference was found in the mean number of occlusal contact points between children with and without TMD.
• Children without TMD exhibited a higher mean number of occlusal contact points compared to those with TMD.
• No significant differences in occlusal contacts were observed between genders or between sides.

Conclusions:

• The number of occlusal contact points in centric occlusion differs between children with and without TMD.
• A lower number of occlusal contact points is associated with the presence of TMD in children, irrespective of severity.