[Singing is not associated with temporomandibular disorders]

Area of Science:

• Music Performance and Health
• Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Musicians, particularly vocalists, may be at risk for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) due to the demands on the masticatory system.
• Understanding risk factors for TMDs in musicians is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of TMD pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds in vocalists compared to non-jaw-loading musicians.
• To identify risk indicators associated with TMDs among musicians.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire study involving 1,470 musicians from 50 music ensembles.
• Comparison between 306 vocalists and 209 control musicians who do not load their jaw while playing.
• Multiple regression analysis to assess associations between risk factors and TMDs, controlling for age and gender.

Main Results:

• Vocalists reported a 21.9% prevalence of TMD pain versus 12.0% in controls; 19.6% reported TMJ sounds versus 14.8% in controls.
• After adjusting for confounders, singers did not report significantly higher rates of TMD pain or TMJ sounds.
• Harmful oral habits, daily practice hours, and years of playing experience were positively associated with self-reported TMDs.

Conclusions:

• Vocalists do not exhibit a higher prevalence of TMD pain or TMJ sounds compared to non-jaw-loading musicians.
• Physical workload factors, including oral habits, practice duration, and experience, are significant risk indicators for TMDs in musicians.