Is low back pain a risk/prognostic factor for the development and/or progression of temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between low back pain (LBP) and painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). METHODS: Systematic review of observational studies. Searches were conducted using OVID MEDLINE, CINHAL, Web of Science and PUBMED databases up to 21 October 2022. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool (QUIPS). RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the present review with meta-analysis. The first onset of TMDs was more likely in patients with previous chronic LBP (hazard ratio (HR) 1.53 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28; 1.83, p < .00001]). In addition, patients with chronic LBP had 3.25 times the odds (OR) [95% CI: 1.94; 5.43, p < .00001] of having chronic TMDs than those who did not have chronic LBP. In addition, the higher the exposure to chronic LBP, the higher the risk of developing a first onset of TMDs. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic LBP can be considered a risk/contributing factor for painful TMDs. Although there is a high certainty in the evidence linking chronic LBP with the risk of a first onset of TMDs, there are insufficient studies to draw definitive conclusions. Furthermore, while an association between chronic LBP and chronic TMDs and a dose-effect was observed between these two conditions, a limited number of studies and evidence exist to support these findings. Future studies are needed to increase the body of evidence.

Constructing the brief diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (bDC/TMD) for field testing.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in temporomandibular disorders' (TMDs) diagnosis, the diagnostic process continues to be problematic in non-specialist settings. OBJECTIVE: To complete a Delphi process to shorten the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) to a brief DC/TMD (bDC/TMD) for expedient clinical diagnosis and initial management. METHODS: An international Delphi panel was created with 23 clinicians representing major specialities, general dentistry and related fields. The process comprised a full day workshop, seven virtual meetings, six rounds of electronic discussion and finally an open consultation at a virtual international symposium. RESULTS: Within the physical axis (Axis 1), the self-report Symptom Questionnaire of the DC/TMD did not require shortening from 14 items for the bDC/TMD. The compulsory use of the TMD pain screener was removed reducing the total number of Axis 1 items by 18%. The DC/TMD Axis 1 10-section examination protocol (25 movements, up to 12 sets of bilateral palpations) was reduced to four sections in the bDC/TMD protocol involving three movements and three sets of palpations. Axis I then resulted in two groups of diagnoses: painful TMD (inclusive of secondary headache), and common joint-related TMD with functional implications. The psychosocial axis (Axis 2) was shortened to an ultra-brief 11 item assessment. CONCLUSION: The bDC/TMD represents a substantially reduced and likely expedited method to establish (grouping) diagnoses in TMDs. This may provide greater utility for settings requiring less granular diagnoses for the implementation of initial treatment, for example non-specialist general dental practice.

Características miofuncionais orofaciais em adultos com disfunção temporomandibular crônica / Orofacial myofunctional characteristics in adults with chronic temporomandibular disorder

Objetivo: avaliar a condição miofuncional orofacial de indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular, caracterizar o padrão de mastigação e investigar a relação entre a condição miofuncional orofacial e o desempenho nas funções de mastigação e deglutição. Materiais e métodos: foram analisados prontuários de participantes de um projeto de extensão interdisciplinar de odontologia e fonoaudiologia. A idade mínima para compor a amostra foi 18 anos. Os participantes haviam realizado exame odontológico e avaliação fonoaudiológica, com o protocolo de Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores. Os resultados foram apresentados por distribuição absoluta,relativa e medidas de tendência central.Foram aplicados o teste t-student para amostras independentes e correlação de Pearson para avaliar associação. O nível de significância adotado foi 5%. As análises foram realizadas no IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Resultados: Dezessete prontuários integraram a amostra. A média de idade dos participantes foi 41,2 anos (±12,2),76,5% eram do sexo feminino. A média do escore total (AMIOFE) indicou condição miofuncional normal (92,5±5,14), porém da mastigação (7,94±1,60) e deglutição (13,1±1,17) revelam prejuízos funcionais. Não houve diferença significativa entre homens e mulheres no escore total (p=0,687), tampouco nas diferentes categorias avaliadas. Discussão:Os escores totais encontrados neste estudo, na mastigação e deglutição, estão de acordo com outras pesquisas realizadas e revelam alteração na função. Conclusão: as alterações funcionais orofaciais encontradas nos indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular crônica deste estudo estão relacionadas com a condição miofuncional orofacial de uma maneira geral, e devem ser consideradas na elaboração de planos de tratamento, com o objetivo de proporcionar maior estabilidade aos resultados.

Aim: to evaluate the orofacial myofunctional condition of individuals with temporomandibular disorders, to characterize the mastication pattern and to investigate the relationship between the orofacial myofunctional condition and performance in mastication and swallowing functions. Materials and methods: medical records of participants in an interdisciplinary extension project in dentistry and speech therapy were analyzed. The minimum age to compose the sample was 18 years old. The participants had undergone a dental examination and speech-language pathology assessment, using the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Protocol With Score protocol. Results were presented by absolute and relative distribution and measures of central tendency. Student's t-test for independent samples and Pearson's correlation were applied to assess association. The significance level adopted was 5%. Analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Results: seventeen medical records were part of the sample. The participants' mean age was 41.2 years (±12.2), 76.5% were female. The mean total score (OMES) indicated normal myofunctional condition (92.5±5.14), but mastication (7.94±1.60) and swallowing (13.1±1.17) revealed functional impairments. There was no significant difference between men and women in the total score (p=0.687), nor in the different categories evaluated. Discussion: The total scores found in this study, in mastication and swallowing, are in agreement with other studies carried out and reveal changes in function. Conclusion: functional variations found in subjects with chronic temporomandibular joint dysfunction in this study are related to general myofunctional orofacial disorder, and must be taken into consideration in treatment plans, with the aim of granting stability to the results.

Impacto das medidas de distanciamento social relacionadas à covid-19 em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular / Impact of social distancing related to COVID-19 in patients with temporomandibular disorder

Aim: To evaluate the impact of the social distancing imposed by COVID-19 in the socioeconomic, familiar and health scope of the participants, as well as the relation of the gravity of the sign and symptoms of Temporomandibular disorder. Materials and methods: Two questionnaires were applied, one by telephone interview and the other virtual. The first asked about signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and the second about behavior during the pandemic. Results: The sample was composed by 15 patients, mostly women who lived in Porto Alegre. 64,3% of the subjects declared there was a decrease in household income during this period. Concerning to difficulties found to access health service, make an appointment, and get health care, were the most cited, each pointed to 61,5% of the sample. The presence of anxiety and depression feelings were cited 64,3%. There was an increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic as a decrease in the frequency of physical activity. Discussion: Several studies that were conducted during and after the pandemic, corroborate the findings that the social distancing cause negative repercussions in the mental health, socioeconomics situations and in the daily habits in the population from all over the world. Conclusion: With this study we could observed and analyzed how the patients who suffered with TMD faced the challenges proposed by the social distancing, due to COVID-19. We can conclude that the pandemic causes several negatives effects in most of the group.

Objetivo: Avaliar os impactos das medidas de distanciamento social impostas pelaCOVID-19 nas esferas socioeconômicas, familiar e de saúde dos participantes, bem como a relação com a gravidade dos sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular. Materiais e Métodos: Foram aplicados dois questionários sendo um por entrevista telefônica e outro virtual. O primeiro perguntava sobre sinais e sintomas da disfunção temporomandibular e o segundo sobre comportamento durante a pandemia. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 15 pacientes, em sua maioria do sexo feminino e que residia na cidade de Porto Alegre. Desses, 64,3% dos entrevistados declararam que houve diminuição na renda familiar durante este período. Com relação às dificuldades encontradas para acesso aos serviços de saúde, a marcação de consultas e conseguir atendimento de saúde, foram as mais citadas, cada uma das dificuldades apontada por 61,5%. A presença de sentimentos de ansiedade e depressão foi citada por 64,3%. Houve aumento na ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas durante a pandemia, bem como diminuição da frequência de atividade física. Discussão: Diversos estudos realizados durante e após a pandemia, corroboram os achados de que o isolamento social causou repercussões negativas na saúde mental, nas situações socioeconômicas e nos hábitos diários da população em todo o mundo. Conclusão: Com este estudo conseguimos observar e analisar como os pacientes que sofrem com a disfunção temporomandibular enfrentaram os desafios propostos pelo isolamento social, decorrente da covid-19. Podemos concluir que a pandemia e o isolamento social causaram impactos negativos em grande parte do grupo em questão.

Bruxismo y su asociación con la disfunción temporomandibular en niños. Revisión de literatura / Bruxism and its association with temporomandibular disorders in children. Literature review

Resumen Introducción: El bruxismo está definido como una actividad oral motora que consiste en el apretamiento o rechinamiento involuntario (rítmico o espasmódico no funcional) de los dientes, con una prevalencia de 5,9% a 49,6% en niños. Lo que podría contribuir a problemas clínicos asociados con la articulación temporomandibular. La asociación entre la disfunción temporomandibular (DTM) y el bruxismo en niños aún no está totalmente establecida. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión de literatura es recopilar información actualizada de estudios que hayan abordado la asociación entre el bruxismo y la disfunción temporomandibular en niños de 3 a 12 años. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos de Scopus, Pubmed y Scielo usando los descriptores "Niño", "Niños", "Preescolar", "Bruxismo", "Bruxismo del sueño", "Disfunción Temporomandibular"; y, "Síndrome de la Disfunción de Articulación Temporomandibular". Fueron incluidos artículos publicados en los últimos 15 años en idiomas español, inglés y portugués. Fueron incluidos estudios transversales, de cohorte, casos controles y ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Resultados: Se evaluaron 242 artículos, de los cuales solo 11 fueron incluidos de acuerdo a los criterios de inclusión. Entre los estudios incluidos, dos de ellos no encontraron asociación entre DTM y bruxismo, tres encontraron una tendencia o probable asociación y seis encontraron una asociación positiva. Conclusiones: Existen estudios que relatan asociación entre el bruxismo y las disfunciones temporomandibulares en niños de 3 a 12 años, relacionando la presencia de signos y síntomas de la DTM con el bruxismo, pudiendo ser este último, un factor de riesgo para la presencia de DTM.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bruxism is defined as an oral motor activity that consists of involuntary clenching or grinding (non-functional rhythmic or spasmodic) of the teeth, with a prevalence rate ranging from 5.9% to 49.6% in children, which could contribute to clinical problems associated with the temporomandibular joint. The association between bruxism in children and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is not yet fully established. Objective: The objective of this literature review is to collect up-to-date information on studies that have addressed the association between bruxism and temporomandibular dysfunction in children ranging 3 - 12 years of age. Methods: A search was performed in the Scopus, PubMed and SciELO databases using the descriptors "Child", "Children", "Child, Preschool", "Bruxism", "Sleep Bruxism", "Temporomandibular Dysfunction" and "Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome." Articles published in the last 15 years in the Spanish, English and Portuguese languages were included. Results: A total of seventy-two articles were assessed. Only 11 articles were included according to the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, two of them found no association between TMD and bruxism, three found a trend or probable association, and six found a positive association. Conclusion: There are studies that report an association between bruxism and temporomandibular dysfunctions in children ranging 3 - 12 years old, relating the presence of signs and symptoms of TMD with bruxism.

The prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction in academics of a university center: association of emotional frameworks / A prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular em acadêmicos de um centro universitário: associação de quadros emocionais

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent research has shown that undergraduate students are more susceptible to stressful situations due to the need to exercise various skills, and that this factor is a potential trigger for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) syndrome. In view of this, there is a need to highlight, through scientific studies, the fact that young students may be more vulnerable to the development of anxiety and stress, which is also associated with the incidence and/or development of bruxism and TMD. The present study's objective was to describe the intensity of symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress and to characterize the presence and severity of TMD symptoms in dentistry students. METHODS: The sample consisted of 118 students. All of them completed the Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca (Fonseca Anamnesis Index - IAF) questionnaire and the shortened version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), which provide relevant information about the sample under investigation and allowed us to acquire epidemiological data about TMD symptoms, associated risk sources and repercussions on quality of life. The data was tabulated and categorized. Descriptive statistical analysis and linear association between the scales are presented. RESULTS: In response to the DASS-21, the three subscales showed that 51% of the individuals had some level of depression, 54% some degree of stress and 61% some level of anxiety. The presence of TMD symptoms was present in 67% of the sample. There was a linear association between the intensity of symptoms of the three subscales of the DASS-21 and the severity of symptoms according to the IAF. CONCLUSION: The information and results obtained in this study revealed a prevalence of signs of anxiety and TMD symptoms in dentistry students.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Pesquisas recentes alertam que acadêmicos do curso de graduação estão mais suscetíveis a situações de estresse devido à necessidade de exercer diversas habilidades, esse fator é um potencial desencadeador da síndrome da disfunção da articulação temporomandibular (DTM). Diante disso, surge a necessidade de evidenciar, mediante estudos científicos, o fato de que os estudantes jovens podem mostrar-se mais vulneráveis para o desenvolvimento de ansiedade e estresse, estando também associada a incidência e/ou desenvolvimento do bruxismo e da DTM. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a intensidade dos sintomas de ansiedade, depressão, estresse e caracterizar a presença e gravidade dos sintomas de DTM em acadêmicos de odontologia. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi de 118 acadêmicos. Todos preencheram o questionário e Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca (IAF) e a versão reduzida da Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21), os quais fornecem informações relevantes sobre a amostra investigada e permitiu adquirir dados epidemiológicos acerca de sintomas de DTM, fontes de risco associadas e repercussão sobre a qualidade de vida. Os dados foram tabulados e categorizados. Apresenta-se a análise estatística descritiva e associação linear entre as escalas. RESULTADOS: Em resposta ao DASS-21, as três subescalas demonstraram que 51% dos indivíduos apresentam algum nível de depressão; 54% algum grau de estresse e 61% algum nível de ansiedade. A presença de sintomas de DTM está presente em 67% da amostra. Houve uma associação linear entre a intensidade dos sintomas das três subescalas da DASS-21 com a gravidade dos sintomas pelo IAF. CONCLUSÃO: As informações e resultados obtidos no presente estudo revelaram prevalência de sinais de ansiedade e sintomas de DTM em acadêmicos do curso de Odontologia.

Predictive model for temporomandibular disorder in adolescents: Decision tree.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) do not only occur in adults but also in adolescents, with negative impacts on their development. AIM: To propose a predictive model for TMD in adolescents using a decision tree (DT) analysis and to identify groups at high and low risk of developing TMD in the city of Recife, PE, Brazil. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Recife on 1342 schoolchildren of both sexes aged 10-17 years. The analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test, as well as the CHAID algorithm for the construction of the DT. The SPSS statistical program was used. RESULTS: The prevalence of TMD was 33.2%. Statistically significant associations were observed between TMD and sex, depression, self-reported orofacial pain, and orofacial pain on clinical examination. The DT consisted of self-reported orofacial pain, orofacial pain on physical examination, and depression, with an overall predictive power of 73.0%. CONCLUSION: The proposed tree has a good predictive capacity and permits to identify groups at high risk of developing TMD among adolescents, such as those with self-reported orofacial pain or orofacial pain on examination associated with depression.

Repouso eletromiográfico dos músculos mastigatórios de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular antes e após intervenção fonoaudiológica com e sem bandagem elástica / Electromyographic rest of the masticatory muscles of patients with temporomandibular disorders before and after speech therapy with and without elastic bandage / Resto electromiográfico de los músculos masticatorios de pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares antes y después de logopedia con y sin venda elástica

Objetivo: A pesquisa tem por objetivo verificar os limiares de repouso eletromiográfico dos músculos masseter e temporal em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) antes e após intervenção fonoaudiológica com e sem a utilização de bandagem elástica terapêutica. Métodos: A coleta contou com 14 participantes do sexo feminino, com idade entre 18 e 40 anos, com diagnóstico de DTM muscular ou mista. As pacientes foram divididas entre dois grupos classificados em: pacientes com bandagem associada à terapia tradicional (CB) e grupo de terapia tradicional (SB). As pacientes inicialmente foram avaliadas pelo exame de eletromiografia de superfície nas situações de contração voluntária máxima e repouso, e após quatro semanas de intervenção, foi realizada nova avaliação com os mesmos instrumentos. A análise dos dados ocorreu de forma quantitativa e qualitativa. Resultados:No grupo SB o músculo masseter direito apresentou aumento dos valores de repouso com significância, foi observado que o mesmo ocorreu para todos os músculos deste grupo, influenciando no equilíbrio da musculatura ipsilateral e contralateral, no entanto sem evidência estatística. O grupo CB não demonstrou valores estatísticos significativos, porém qualitativamente os valores de repouso muscular diminuíram e equilibraram-se de forma contralateral. Conclusão: Não foram observadas mudanças estatisticamente significantes nos limiares eletromiográficos durante repouso dos músculos masseter e temporal em ambos os grupos. Qualitativamente houve aumento dos valores eletromiográficos após terapia manual tradicional em todos os músculos do grupo SB. Com relação ao grupo CB, houve diminuição dos valores do repouso eletromiográfico após terapia, embora sem evidências estatísticas. (AU)

Purpose: Objective: The research aims to verify the electromyographic rest thresholds of the masseter and temporal muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) before and after speech therapy intervention with and without the use of therapeutic elastic bandage. Methods: The collection included 14 female participants, aged between 18 and 40 years, who had a diagnosis of muscular or mixed TMD. The patients were divided into two groups: with traditional therapy (CB) bandage and traditional therapy (SB) only group. The patients underwent initial evaluation, as well as surface electromyography in situations of maximum voluntary contraction and rest and at the end of the four weeks of intervention, a new evaluation was performed with the same instruments. Data analysis occurred quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: In the SB group, the right masseter muscle showed a significant increase in resting values. It was observed that the same occurred for all muscles in this group, influencing the balance of the ipsilateral and contralateral muscles, although without statistical evidence. The CB group did not show statistically significant values, but qualitatively the muscle rest values decreased and balanced in a contralateral way. Conclusion: No statistically significant changes were observed in the resting electromyographic thresholds of the masseter and temporalis muscles in both groups. Qualitatively, there was an increase in electromyographic values after traditional manual therapy in all muscles in the SB group. Regarding the CB group, there was a decrease in electromyographic resting values after therapy, although without statistical evidence. (AU)

Objetivo: La investigación tiene como objetivo verificar los umbrales electromiográficos de reposo de los músculos masetero y temporal en pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares (TMD) antes y después de la terapia del habla con y sin el uso de venda elástica terapéutica. Métodos: La colección incluyó a 14 participantes mujeres, con edades entre 18 y 40 años, diagnosticadas con TTM muscular o mixta. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos clasificados en: pacientes con vendaje asociado a terapia tradicional (CB) y grupo de terapia tradicional (SB). Los pacientes fueron inicialmente evaluados mediante electromiografía de superficie en situaciones de máxima contracción voluntaria y reposo, luego de cuatro semanas de intervención se realizó una nueva evaluación con los mismos instrumentos. El análisis de datos se llevó a cabo cuantitativa y cualitativamente. Resultados: En el grupo SB, el músculo masetero derecho presentó un aumento significativo en los valores de reposo, se observó que lo mismo ocurrió para todos los músculos de este grupo, influyendo en el equilibrio de los músculos ipsilaterales y contralaterales, sin embargo, sin evidencia estadística. El grupo CB no mostró valores estadísticamente significativos, pero cualitativamente los valores de descanso muscular disminuyeron y se equilibraron contralateralmente. Conclusión: No se observaron cambios estadísticamente significativos en los umbrales electromiográficos en reposo de los músculos masetero y temporal en ambos grupos. Cualitativamente, hubo un aumento de los valores electromiográficos después de la terapia manual tradicional en todos los músculos del grupo SB. En cuanto al grupo CB, hubo una disminución de los valores electromiográficos de reposo después de la terapia, aunque sin evidencia estadística. (AU)

Correlation between the event of the COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of anxiety, depression and temporomandibular disorder in university students: cross-sectional study / Correlação entre o evento da pandemia de COVID-19 e sintomas de ansiedade, depressão e de disfunção temporomandibular em estudantes universitários: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to be a probable aggravator of psychological responses such as anxiety and depression. This study aimed to assess the correlation between symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and the existence of symptoms associated with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in a Brazilian university population. METHODS: This epidemiological, cross-sectional clinical study evaluated its variables of interest using the COVID-19 Fear Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Dysfunction (DC/TMD) and Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 373 participants (females = 273) with a mean age of 23.8±5.45 years were included in this study. In addition, 78.2% of participants with anxiety symptoms and 54.5% of participants with depression symptoms reported a high level of TMD-related parafunction (p<0.01). The presence of anxiety symptoms increased the odds of developing intense fear of COVID-19 by 14.9 times (p<0.001) and the odds of developing moderate fear of COVID-19 by 3.5 times (p<0.001). The presence of an intense fear of COVID-19 increased the chances of developing anxiety symptoms by 17.15 times (p<0.001), while the presence of a moderate fear increased these chances by 3.12 times (p<0.001). In addition, the presence of intense (p=0.01) or moderate (p=0.018) COVID-19 fears increased the odds of developing TMD-related pain symptoms by 2.47 and 1.84 times, respectively, in this population. CONCLUSION: The presence of painful TMD symptoms was possibly influenced by fear of COVID-19. This, in turn, was related to the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms reported by the target population of this study.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A pandemia de COVID-19 mostrou-se um provável agravante de respostas psicológicas como ansiedade e depressão. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a correlação entre sintomas de ansiedade e depressão durante o período da pandemia de COVID-19 e a existência de sintomas associados à disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) em uma população universitária brasileira. MÉTODOS: Este estudo clínico epidemiológico e transversal avaliou as suas variáveis de interesse por meio dos questionários Escala de Medo do COVID-19, Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS-A e HADS-D), Critérios Diagnósticos para Disfunção Temporomandibular (DC/DTM) e Checklist de Comportamentos Orais (OBC). RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 373 participantes (sexo feminino = 273), com média de idade de 23,8±5,45 anos foram incluídos neste estudo. Ademais, 78,2% dos participantes com sintomas de ansiedade e 54,5% dos participantes com sintomas de depressão reportaram alto nível de parafunção relacionada à DTM (p<0,01). A presença de sintomas de ansiedade aumentou em 14,9 vezes as chances de desenvolvimento de um quadro de medo intenso do COVID-19 (p<0,001) e de um quadro de 3,5 vezes nas chances de desenvolvimento de medo moderado do COVID-19 (p<0,001). A presença de um medo intenso do COVID-19 aumentou em 17,15 vezes as chances de desenvolvimento de sintomas de ansiedade (p<0,001), enquanto a presença de um medo moderado aumentou essas chances em 3,12 vezes (p<0,001). Ademais, a presença de medos intensos (p=0,01) ou moderados (p=0,018) do COVID-19 aumentou 2,47 e 1,84 vezes, respectivamente, as chances de desenvolvimento de sintomatologias dolorosas relacionadas à DTM nessa população. CONCLUSÃO: A presença dos sintomas dolorosos da DTM foi possivelmente influenciada pelo medo do COVID-19. Isso, por sua vez, esteve relacionado à presença de sintomas de ansiedade e de depressão, reportados pela população-alvo deste estudo.

Experimental pain thresholds and psychosocial features across menstrual cycle in myofascial orofacial pain compared to healthy individuals: cross-sectional study / Limiares de dor experimental e características psicossociais ao longo do ciclo menstrual na dor miofascial orofacial em comparação com indivíduos saudáveis: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hormonal impact on pain perception during the menstrual cycle is a major focus of study, and further elucidation in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) field is necessary. Thus, this cross-sectional study evaluated experimental pain thresholds, psychosocial features, and clinical pain report on TMD women across menstrual cycle versus healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 220 women's clinical files were screened, with 80 selected and divided into control group (healthy individuals, n=40) and TMD group (myofascial pain, n=40). Regarding the menstrual cycle phases, the files were divided into Pre-Luteal and Luteal. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT), Wind-up (WUR), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were analyzed at a 5% significance level, by Two-Way ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: PSS and PCS were significantly different between TMD and control group (p<0.001), regardless of menstrual cycle. Healthy individuals in the Luteal phase presented higher MPT values compared to the other phases (p<0.001). PPT showed significant difference across menstrual phases (p=0.022), but no differences in multiple comparisons. VAS values showed no difference between menstrual cycle phases (p=0.376). CONCLUSION: Finally, healthy individuals in the Luteal phase have higher MPT and PPT values on the orofacial region. Pain report in patients with TMD showed no difference throughout the menstrual cycle, showing that small alterations on experimental pain thresholds may not be clinically relevant. The presence of chronic pain seems to be more related to psychosocial features than hormonal fluctuations.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O impacto do ciclo menstrual na percepção da dor é um foco importante de estudo, sendo necessária uma maior elucidação na disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Assim, este estudo transversal avaliou limiares de dor experimental, características psicossociais e relatos de dor em mulheres com DTM ao longo do ciclo menstrual, comparadas com controles saudáveis. MÉTODOS: 220 prontuários de mulheres foram analisados, sendo 80 selecionados para os grupos de controle (saudáveis, n=40) e DTM (dor miofascial, n=40). Nas fases do ciclo menstrual, as pacientes foram divididas nas categorias Pré-Luteal e Luteal. Os instrumentos Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS), Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos (PCS), Limiar de Dor Mecânica (MPT), Wind-up Ratio (WUR), Limiar de Dor à Pressão (PPT), Modulação Condicionada da Dor (CPM) e Escala analógica visual (EAV) foram analisados com nível de significância de 5%, pelos testes ANOVA de dois fatores e Tukey post hoc. RESULTADOS: As escalas PSS e PCS foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos DTM e controle (p<0,001), independentemente do ciclo menstrual. Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal apresentaram MPT maior em comparação com outras fases (p,0,001). O PPT mostrou diferença significativa entre as fases menstruais (p=0,022), sem diferença nas comparações múltiplas. Os valores da EAV não apresentaram diferença entre as fases menstruais (p=376). CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal têm MPT e PPTl maior na região orofacial. Os relatos de dor em pacientes com DTM não mostraram diferença ao longo do ciclo menstrual, indicando que pequenas alterações nos limiares experimentais podem ser clinicamente relevantes. A presença de dor crônica parece estar mais relacionada com características psicossociais do que com flutuações hormonais.

Confiabilidade teste-reteste de um protocolo de coleta do sinal eletromiográfico do músculo masseter em indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular / Test-retest reliability of a protocol for recording the electromyographic signal from the masseter muscle on patients with temporomandibular disorders

Introdução: A eletromiografia (EMG) tem sido utilizada para avaliar alterações no sistema mastigatório proporcionada pela disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Objetivos: Verificar a confiabilidade teste-reteste de um protocolo de coleta do sinal EMG do músculo masseter em indivíduos com DTM. Métodos: Estudo transversal composto por 20 indivíduos com DTM. Os testes foram realizados em duas sessões com 7 dias de intervalo. O sinal EMG foi avaliado pelas variáveis integral (iEMG) e a raiz quadrada da média do sinal (RMS). Resultados: Na análise intradia a confiabilidade para o RMS (ICC2,k: 0.85 a 0.96 ) e iEMG ICC2,k: 0.85 a 0.95) foi excelente, enquanto que a confiabilidade teste/reteste foi pobre para ambas as variáveis RMS (ICC2,1: 0.03 a 0.29) e iEMG (ICC2,1: 0.08 a 0.39). Conclusões: O protocolo de coleta do sinal EMG do músculo masseter em indivíduos com DTM demonstrou que os dados são reprodutíveis somente na mesma sessão de coletas enquanto que, para coletas em dias alternados a confiabilidade foi pobre.

Introduction: Electromyography (EMG) has been used to assess alterations in the masticatory system caused by temporomandybular disorders (TMD). Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the test-retest reliability of a protocol for recording the EMG signal from masseter muscle in TMD patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study comprising 20 individuals with TMD. Tests were performed in two sessions 7 days apart. The EMG signal was evaluated by the variables integral (iEMG) and the root mean square of the signal (RMS). Results: In the intraday analysis the reliability for the RMS (ICC2,k: 0.85 to 0.96) and iEMG (ICC2,k: 0.85 to 0.95) was excellent, while the test/retest reliability was poor for both RMS (ICC2,1: 0.03 to 0.29) and iEMG (ICC2,1: 0.08 to 0.39) variables. Conclusions: The protocol for collecting the EMG signal from the masseter muscle in an individual with TMD demonstrated that the data are reproducible only in the same recording session, whereas for c recording on alternate days, the reliability was poor.

Genetic analysis of probable sleep bruxism and its associations with clinical and behavioral traits.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Sleep bruxism (SB) can cause damage on teeth, headache and severe pain affecting both sleep and daily functioning. Yet despite the growing interest into bruxism, the underlying clinically relevant biological mechanisms remain unresolved. The aim of our study was to understand biological mechanisms and clinical correlates of SB including previously reported disease associations. METHODS: We used data from the FinnGen release R9 (N = 377 277 individuals) that are linked with Finnish hospital and primary care registries. We identified 12 297 (3.26%) individuals with International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes used for SB. In addition, we used logistic regression to examine the association between probable SB and its clinically diagnosed risk factors and comorbidities using ICD-10 codes. Furthermore, we examined medication purchases using prescription registry. Finally, we performed the first genome-wide association analysis for probable SB and computed genetic correlations using questionnaire, lifestyle, and clinical traits. RESULTS: The genome-wide association analysis revealed one significant association: rs10193179 intronic to Myosin IIIB (MYO3B) gene. In addition, we observed phenotypic associations and high genetic correlations with pain diagnoses, sleep apnea, reflux disease, upper respiratory diseases, psychiatric traits, and also their related medications such as antidepressants and sleep medication (p < 1e-4 for each trait). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a large-scale genetic framework to understand risk factors for SB and suggests potential biological mechanisms. Furthermore, our work strengthens the important earlier work that highlights SB as a trait that is associated with multiple axes of health. As part of this study, we provide genome-wide summary statistics that we hope will be useful for the scientific community studying SB.

Temporomandibular joint: from anatomy to internal derangement.

The temporomandibular joint can be affected by various conditions, such as joint dysfunction, degenerative changes, inflammatory processes, infections, tumors, and trauma. The aim of this pictorial essay is to help radiologists identify and describe the main findings on magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the temporomandibular joint, given that the correct diagnosis is essential for the appropriate treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

A articulação temporomandibular pode ser afetada por diversas afecções, como disfunções articulares, alterações degenerativas, doenças inflamatórias ou infecciosas, tumores e trauma. Este ensaio iconográfico visa auxiliar de forma prática o radiologista a identificar e descrever os principais achados nos exames de ressonância magnética da articulação temporomandibular, tendo em vista que o diagnóstico correto das alterações mais comuns é essencial para o tratamento adequado desses pacientes.

Building the foundation for a modern patient-partnered infrastructure to study temporomandibular disorders.

Background: Conflicting reports from varying stakeholders related to prognosis and outcomes following placement of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) implants gave rise to the development of the TMJ Patient-Led RoundTable initiative. Following an assessment of the current availability of data, the RoundTable concluded that a strategically Coordinated Registry Network (CRN) is needed to collect and generate accessible data on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and its care. The aim of this study was therefore to advance the clinical understanding, usage, and adoption of a core minimum dataset for TMD patients as the first foundational step toward building the CRN. Methods: Candidate data elements were extracted from existing data sources and included in a Delphi survey administered to 92 participants. Data elements receiving less than 75% consensus were dropped. A purposive multi-stakeholder sub-group triangulated the items across patient and clinician-based experience to remove redundancies or duplicate items and reduce the response burden for both patients and clinicians. To reliably collect the identified data elements, the identified core minimum data elements were defined in the context of technical implementation within High-performance Integrated Virtual Environment (HIVE) web-application framework. HIVE was integrated with CHIOS™, an innovative permissioned blockchain platform, to strengthen the provenance of data captured in the registry and drive metadata to record all registry transaction and create a robust consent network. Results: A total of 59 multi-stakeholder participants responded to the Delphi survey. The completion of the Delphi surveys followed by the application of the required group consensus threshold resulted in the selection of 397 data elements (254 for patient-generated data elements and 143 for clinician generated data elements). The infrastructure development and integration of HIVE and CHIOS™ was completed showing the maintenance of all data transaction information in blockchain, flexible recording of patient consent, data cataloging, and consent validation through smart contracts. Conclusion: The identified data elements and development of the technological platform establishes a data infrastructure that facilitates the standardization and harmonization of data as well as perform high performance analytics needed to fully leverage the captured patient-generated data, clinical evidence, and other healthcare ecosystem data within the TMJ/TMD-CRN.

Avaliação psicossocial e disfunção temporomandibular em graduandos em Odontologia / Evaluación psicosocial y disfunción temporomandibular en estudiantes de pregrado en Odontología / Psychosocial evaluation and temporomandibular dysfunction in undergraduate Dentistry students

O presente estudo objetivou analisar a ocorrência de fatores psicossociais e disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) em graduandos em Odontologia. Realizou-se um estudo transversal, quantitativo, descritivo e analítico. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados 3 questionários validados, a fim de avaliar o senso de coerência (SOC), ansiedade, depressão e DTM dos discentes, além de perguntas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento acadêmico. Houve adesão de 108 estudantes, 75% do sexo feminino e 49,1% se autoavaliaram com sintomas de DTM. Aproximadamente 36% obtiveram níveis baixos de ansiedade, sendo maior nas mulheres. A maioria encontra-se satisfeito com o desempenho acadêmico, apesar da dificuldade de aprendizado, insatisfação com a rotina e medo de falar em público. A glossofobia foi estatisticamente mais frequente entre as mulheres. Ainda, nos períodos intermediários identificou-se maior insatisfação com a rotina. O SOC médio dos participantes foi de 56,67±8,27 e mostrou-se mais baixo naqueles com elevados níveisde depressão. A ansiedade em níveis altos foi associada com os sintomas de DTM. Portanto, conclui-se que cerca de metade dos discentes de Odontologia apresenta algum sinal de DTM, ansiedade e depressão em níveis baixos, SOC mediano e satisfação com o desempenho acadêmico, apesar das adversidades curriculares (AU).

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la aparición de factores psicosociales y Disfunción de Articulación Temporomandibular (DTM) en estudiantes de Odontología. Se realizó un estudio transversal, cuantitativo, descriptivo y analítico. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron 3 cuestionarios validados, con el fin de evaluar el sentido de coherencia (SC), ansiedad, depresión y DTM de los estudiantes, además de preguntas relacionadas con el desarrollo académico. Participaron 108 estudiantes, 75% mujeres y 49,1% autoevaluados con síntomas de DTM. Aproximadamente el 36% tenía niveles bajos de ansiedad, siendo mayores en las mujeres. La mayoría está satisfecha con su rendimiento académico, a pesar de las dificultades de aprendizaje, la insatisfacción con su rutina y el miedo a hablar en público. La glosofobia fue estadísticamente más común entre las mujeres. Además, en los periodos intermedios se identificó mayor insatisfacción con la rutina. El SC promedio de los participantes fue 56,67 ± 8,27 y fue menor en aquellos con altos niveles de depresión. Un alto nivel de ansiedad se asoció con síntomas de DTM. Por lo tanto, se concluye que aproximadamente la mitad de los estudiantes de Odontología presentan algún signo de DTM, ansiedad y depresión en niveles bajos, SC promedio y satisfacción con el rendimiento académico, a pesar de las adversidades curriculares (AU).

The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of psychosocial factors and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in undergraduate Dentistry students. A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive and analytical study was accomplished. For data collection, 3 validated questionnaires were used, in order to evaluate the students' sense of coherence (SOC), anxiety, depression and TMD, in addition to questions Avaliação psicossocial e disfunção temporomandibular em graduandos em Odontologia related to academic development. 108 students participated, 75% female and 49.1% self-assessed as having TMD symptoms. Approximately 36% had low levels of anxiety, being higher in women. The majority are satisfied with their academic performance, despite learning difficulties, dissatisfaction with their routine and fear to speak in public. The glossophobia was statistically more frequent in women. Also, in intermediate periods it was identified a higher level of dissatisfaction with routine. The sense of coherence was 56,67± 8,27 and it demonstrated lower in those with high levels of depression. The anxiety in high levels was associated with DTM symptoms. Therefore, it is concluded that nearly half of Dentistry students present any of DTM symptoms, anxiety and depression in lower levels, median SOC and satisfaction with academic performance, despite curricular adversities (AU).

Temporomandibular joint: from anatomy to internal derangement / Articulação temporomandibular: da anatomia ao desarranjo interno

Abstract The temporomandibular joint can be affected by various conditions, such as joint dysfunction, degenerative changes, inflammatory processes, infections, tumors, and trauma. The aim of this pictorial essay is to help radiologists identify and describe the main findings on magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the temporomandibular joint, given that the correct diagnosis is essential for the appropriate treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

Resumo A articulação temporomandibular pode ser afetada por diversas afecções, como disfunções articulares, alterações degenerativas, doenças inflamatórias ou infecciosas, tumores e trauma. Este ensaio iconográfico visa auxiliar de forma prática o radiologista a identificar e descrever os principais achados nos exames de ressonância magnética da articulação temporomandibular, tendo em vista que o diagnóstico correto das alterações mais comuns é essencial para o tratamento adequado desses pacientes.

The Efficacy of Manual Therapy Approaches on Pain, Maximum Mouth Opening and Disability in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common condition disabling people and bringing up costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual therapy on pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO) and disability. Searches were conducted in six databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Selection of trials, data extraction and methodological quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Estimates were presented as mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Twenty trials met the eligibility criteria and were included. For pain intensity, high and moderate quality evidence demonstrated the additional effects of manual therapy at short- (95% CI -2.12 to -0.82 points) and long-term (95% CI -2.17 to -0.40 points) on the 0-10 points scale. For MMO, moderate to high quality evidence was found in favour of manual therapy alone (95% CI 0.01 to 7.30 mm) and its additional effects (95% CI 1.58 to 3.58 mm) at short- and long-term (95% CI 1.22 to 8.40 mm). Moderate quality evidence demonstrated an additional effect of manual therapy for disability (95% CI = -0.87 to -0.14). Evidence supports manual therapy as effective for TMD.

Comparison between Simple Planas Indirect Tracks and occlusal splints for treatment of temporomandibular disorder-related headache: a randomized controlled clinical trial / Comparação entre Pistas Indiretas Planas Simples e placas miorrelaxantes para tratamento de dor de cabeça relacionada à disfunção temporomandibular: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorder-related headache (TMDH) is a very common clinical condition which manifests as pain around the temples. The treatment recommended in dentistry is occlusal splint. However, there is a device generally used in functional jaw orthopedics, called simple Planas indirect tracks (SPIT), which has been shown to be efficient in managing these headaches. This clinical trial aimed to compare SPIT and occlusal splints in the treatment of TMDH patients. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included thirty-seven women who had TMDH for more than one year into three groups: GPIT treated with SPIT, GSPLINT treated with a Michigan splint, and a control group (CG) submitted to no treatment. The randomization was paired, that is, each new individual was assigned to a group sequentially. The number of headache days per month, average pain intensity, pain response to masseter and temporalis palpation, and days of pain drug use were collected and analyzed. The follow-up lasted for 3 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included but 4 dropped out during treatment and 33 underwent intervention. Patients in GPIT exhibited superior results compared to GSPLINT and CG, with significant differences between groups for almost all variables. In GPIT, the number of headache days was reduced by 87.43%, pain intensity by 66.67%, and days of drug use by 88.42%, with significant improvement in all parameters compared to CG. In GSPLINT, the number of headache days decreased by 44.46% and days of drug use by 36.63%, while pain intensity increased by 46.67%; however, there was no significant difference in any of the parameters compared to CG. CONCLUSION: SPIT may be a good treatment option for patients with TMDH since these appliances have shown much more consistent results than occlusal splints. Further studies and with more individuals will be needed to confirm these findings.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cefaleia secundária à disfunção temporomandibular (CDTM), é uma condição clínica muito comum, com dores nas têmporas. O tratamento padrão na odontologia são as placas miorrelaxantes, entretanto um aparelho da ortopedia funcional dos maxilares, chamado de Pistas Indiretas Planas Simples (PIPS), tem se demonstrado eficiente no controle dessas cefaleias. Este estudo clínico visou comparar as PIPS com as placas miorrelaxantes, no quadro álgico de CDTM. MÉTODOS: Este ensaio clínico randomizado incluiu 37 mulheres portadoras de CDTM há mais de um ano, que foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos: o GPIPS, no qual as pacientes foram tratadas com PIPS, o GPLACA, com uso de placas miorrelaxantes de Michigan e o grupo controle (GC), sem qualquer tratamento. A aleatorização foi pareada, sendo que cada participante era consecutivamente alocada em um grupo diferente. Foram coletados e analisados dias de cefaleia por mês, intensidade de dores, resposta álgica à palpação de masseter e temporal, bem como os dias de uso de fármacos. O acompanhamento foi de três meses. RESULTADOS: Das 37 pacientes iniciais, 4 desistiram do tratamento e apenas 33 foram submetidos a alguma intervenção. As pacientes do GPIPS apresentaram resultados muito superiores às do GPLACA e do GC, com diferenças significativas entre os grupos em quase todas as variáveis. No GPIPS, os dias de dor diminuíram 87,43%, a intensidade 66,67% e os dias de uso de fármacos analgésicos 88,42%, sendo estatisticamente significante a melhora em todos os parâmetros em relação ao GC. Já no GPLACA, os dias de dor diminuíram 44,46% e os dias de uso de fármacos 36,63%, mas a intensidade da dor aumentou 46,67%, porém sem diferença estatisticamente significante em nenhum parâmetro quando comparado ao GC. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do PIPS pode ser uma boa escolha de tratamento da CDTM, tendo apresentado resultados mais consistentes do que as placas miorrelaxantes. Mais estudos e com mais participantes são necessários para confirmar estes achados.

Persistent Orofacial Pain Attendances at General Medical Practitioners.

Patients with persistent orofacial pain (POFP) can go through complex care pathways to receive a diagnosis and management, which can negatively affect their pain. This study aimed to describe 44-y trends in attendances at Welsh medical practices for POFP and establish the number of attendances per patient and referrals associated with orofacial pain and factors that may predict whether a patient is referred. A retrospective observational study was completed using the nationwide Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank of visits to general medical practices in Wales (UK). Data were extracted using diagnostic codes ("Read codes"). Orofacial and migraine Read codes were extracted between 1974 and 2017. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Over the 44-y period, there were 468,827 POFP and migraine diagnostic codes, accounting for 468,137 patient attendances, or 301,832 patients. The overall attendance rate was 4.22 attendances per 1,000 patient-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.21-4.23). The attendance rate increased over the study period. Almost one-third of patients (n = 92,192, 30.54%) attended more than once over the study period, and 15.83% attended more than once within a 12-mo period. There were 20,103 referral codes that were associated with 8,183 patients, with over half these patients being referred more than once. Odds of receiving a referral were highest in females (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.17-1.29), in those living in rural locations (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12-1.22), and in the least deprived quintile (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.29-1.48). Odds also increased with increasing age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.03-1.03). The increasing attendance may be explained by the increasing incidence of POFP within the population. These patients can attend on a repeated basis, and very few are referred, but when they are, this may occur multiple times; therefore, current care pathways could be improved.

Oral splint therapy in patients with Menière's disease and temporomandibular disorder: a long-term, controlled study.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of oral splint therapy on audio-vestibular symptoms in patients with Menière's disease (MD) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Treatment group: 37 patients with MD and TMD who received gnatological treatment. CONTROL GROUP: 26 patients with MD and TMD who had never received gnatological treatment. The number of vertigo spells in 6 months (primary endpoint), pure-tone audiometry average (PTA), MD stage, functional level, Dizziness handicap Index (DHI), Tinnitus handicap Index (THI) and Aural Fullness Scale (AFS) were compared at baseline and after 24 months according to groups. Analysis of Covariance was used to determine the treatment effect. RESULTS: Groups were comparable for demographic, clinical data, baseline PTAs and the number of vertigo spells. Analysis of covariance showed a significant effect of gnathological treatment on number of vertigo spells ([Formula: see text] = 0.258, p < 0.001), PTA ([Formula: see text] = 0.201, p < 0.001), MD stage ([Formula: see text] = 0.224, p < 0.001), functional level ([Formula: see text] = 0.424, p < 0.001), DHI ([Formula: see text] = 0.421, p < 0.001), THI ([Formula: see text] = 0.183, p < 0.001), but not for AFS ([Formula: see text] = 0.005, p = 0.582). The treatment group showed vertigo control of class A in 86.5% and class B in 13.5% of patients. In the control group, vertigo control was of class A in 19.2% of patients and class B in 11.5%, class C in 30.8%, class D in 11.5%, class E in 19.2% and class F in 7.7%. Classes of vertigo control differed significantly (X2 test, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oral splint therapy could represent a viable treatment in patients with TMD and uncontrolled MD disease. The effects are maintained at least after 2 years.