Association between temporomandibular disorder and body mass index in institutionalized children

ABSTRACT

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a term applied to functional changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures of mastication. Aim: To investigate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and TMD in children. Methods: 70 children between 6 and 14 years enrolled in the Rogationist Benevolent Institute of charity in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) underwent clinical examination by one calibrated examiner for the use of Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Weight and height were determined by anthropometric assessment for the diagnosis of nutritional status, and BMI was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m2). Descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation) was used to characterize the sample. ANOVA complemented by the Least Significant Difference test was used to compare the mean anthropometric measurements between the genders and the groups with and without TMD. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: We found a significantly high prevalence of TMD, as well as a significant association between TMD light and low body weight. Conclusions: The results show a high prevalence of TMD and a slight association between TMD and children with low body weight.