Women with temporomandibular disorders: Untargeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based metabolomics of saliva and psychological instruments dataset.

This article introduces the first dataset of 1H- nuclear magnetic resonance - based metabolomic spectroscopy of saliva samples from women with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) of muscular origin. Our data generated a metabolomic profile for TMD of muscular origin. The samples were separated in two groups: Experimental Group (EG) represented by women with TMD who were submitted to a conservative treatment compared with a Control group (CG) of women without TMD. These data also include information about time of onset the pain, measures of pain obtained before and after the treatment by the visual analogic scale. Information about some psychological instruments as pain catrastophizing scale, hospital anxiety and depression, and oral health impact profile-14 were also obtained in the CG and in the EG before submitted to the conservative treatment (EG-pre) and at the end of the treatment (EG-post). Those instruments help differentiate the groups, due to the psychosocial impact that TMD has on their lives perpetuating the physiological imbalance of the stomatognathic system. Raw data are available at: https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/wys5xd2vfg/1. It's published on mendeley, the DOI is DOI:10.17632/wys5xd2vfg.1. The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "1H-NMR-Based salivary metabolomics from female with temporomandibular disorders - a pilot study" (Lalue Sanches et al. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2020.08.006).

A home-based multidisciplinary programme for Down syndrome adults with muscular temporomandibular disorder.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Down syndrome (DS) present functional and anatomical alterations that may negatively impact their health and quality of life. Down syndrome patients have been shown to have a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), but little is known about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention in these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a home-based multidisciplinary programme on muscular TMD in DS adults. METHODS: After being diagnosed with TMD-related masticatory muscle disorder, 20 adult men and 20 adult women with DS received an educational material with instructions on how to perform daily home facial self-massage and exercises for orofacial and masticatory muscles. Participants were also provided with educational information on TMD. Those who failed to perform at least 50% of the programme (23 days) were considered non-adherent. Oral parafunctional behaviours, facial pressure-pain threshold and maximum mouth opening were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients adhered to the programme as opposed to 15 non-adherent patients. Statistically significant improvements in all parameters were observed among adherent patients, except for the number of parafunctions. CONCLUSION: The proposed home-based multidisciplinary programme seemed to be effective in improving some aspects related to muscular TMD in DS adults.

Orotracheal intubation and temporomandibular disorder: a longitudinal controlled study / Intubação orotraqueal e disfunção temporomandibular: estudo longitudinal controlado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder in elective surgery patients who underwent orotracheal intubation. METHODS: This was a longitudinal controlled study with two groups. The study group included patients who underwent orotracheal intubation and a control group. We used the American Academy of Orofacial Pain questionnaire to assess the temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms one-day postoperatively (T1), and the patients' baseline status prior to surgery (T0) was also recorded. The same questionnaire was used after three months (T2). The mouth opening amplitude was measured at T1 and T2. We considered a pvalue of less than 0.05 to be significant. RESULTS: We included 71 patients, with 38 in the study group and 33 in the control. There was no significant difference between the groups in age (study group: 66.0 [52.5-72.0]; control group: 54.0 [47.0-68.0]; p = 0.117) or in their belonging to the female gender (study group: 57.9%; control group: 63.6%; p = 0.621). At T1, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the incidence of mouth opening limitation (study group: 23.7% vs. control group: 18.2%;p = 0.570) or in the mouth opening amplitude (study group: 45.0 [40.0-47.0] vs. control group: 46.0 [40.0-51.0];p = 0.278). At T2 we obtained similar findings. There was no significant difference in the affirmative response to all the individual questions in the American Academy of Orofacial Pain questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, the incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder of muscular origin was not different between the groups.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Determinar a incidência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) em pacientes de cirurgia eletiva submetidos à intubação orotraqueal. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal controlado com dois grupos. O grupo de estudo incluiu pacientes que foram submetidos à intubação orotraqueal e um grupo controle. Usamos o questionário da Academia Americana de Dor Orofacial (AAOP) para avaliar os sinais e sintomas da DTM no primeiro dia de pós-operatório (T1) e os estados basais dos pacientes antes da cirurgia (T0) também foram registrados. O mesmo questionário foi usado após três meses (T2). A amplitude da abertura bucal foi medida em T1 e T2. Consideramos um valor p inferior a 0,05 como significativo. RESULTADOS: No total, 71 pacientes foram incluídos, com 38 pacientes no grupo de estudo e 33 no grupo controle. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à idade (grupo de estudo: 66 [52,5-72]; grupo controle: 54 [47-68], p = 0,117) ou gênero feminino (grupo de estudo: 57,9%; grupo controle: 63,6%, p = 0,621). No T1, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos quanto à incidência de limitação de abertura bucal (grupo de estudo: 23,7% vs. grupo controle: 18,2%, p = 0,570) ou amplitude de abertura bucal (grupo de estudo: 45 [40-47]vs. grupo controle: 46 [40-51], p = 0,278). Em T2, os resultados obtidos foram semelhantes. Não houve diferença significativa na resposta afirmativa a todas as perguntas individuais do questionário AAOP. CONCLUSÕES: Em nossa população, a incidência de sinais e sintomas de DTM de origem muscular não foi diferente entre os grupos.

Orotracheal intubation and temporomandibular disorder: a longitudinal controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder in elective surgery patients who underwent orotracheal intubation. METHODS: This was a longitudinal controlled study with two groups. The study group included patients who underwent orotracheal intubation and a control group. We used the American Academy of Orofacial Pain questionnaire to assess the temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms one-day postoperatively (T1), and the patients' baseline status prior to surgery (T0) was also recorded. The same questionnaire was used after three months (T2). The mouth opening amplitude was measured at T1 and T2. We considered a p value of less than 0.05 to be significant. RESULTS: We included 71 patients, with 38 in the study group and 33 in the control. There was no significant difference between the groups in age (study group: 66.0 [52.5-72.0]; control group: 54.0 [47.0-68.0]; p=0.117) or in their belonging to the female gender (study group: 57.9%; control group: 63.6%; p=0.621). At T1, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the incidence of mouth opening limitation (study group: 23.7% vs. CONTROL GROUP: 18.2%; p=0.570) or in the mouth opening amplitude (study group: 45.0 [40.0-47.0] vs. CONTROL GROUP: 46.0 [40.0-51.0]; p=0.278). At T2 we obtained similar findings. There was no significant difference in the affirmative response to all the individual questions in the American Academy of Orofacial Pain questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, the incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder of muscular origin was not different between the groups.

[Orotracheal intubation and temporomandibular disorder: a longitudinal controlled study]. / Intubação orotraqueal e disfunção temporomandibular: estudo longitudinal controlado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder in elective surgery patients who underwent orotracheal intubation. METHODS: This was a longitudinal controlled study with two groups. The study group included patients who underwent orotracheal intubation and a control group. We used the American Academy of Orofacial Pain questionnaire to assess the temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms one-day postoperatively (T1), and the patients' baseline status prior to surgery (T0) was also recorded. The same questionnaire was used after three months (T2). The mouth opening amplitude was measured at T1 and T2. We considered a p value of less than 0.05 to be significant. RESULTS: We included 71 patients, with 38 in the study group and 33 in the control. There was no significant difference between the groups in age (study group: 66 [52.5-72]; control group: 54 [47-68]; p=0.117) or in their belonging to the female gender (study group: 57.9%; control group: 63.6%; p=0.621). At T1, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the incidence of mouth opening limitation (study group: 23.7% vs. CONTROL GROUP: 18.2%; p=0.570) or in the mouth opening amplitude (study group: 45 [40-47] vs. CONTROL GROUP: 46 [40-51]; p=0.278). At T2 we obtained similar findings. There was no significant difference in the affirmative response to all the individual questions in the American Academy of Orofacial Pain questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, the incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder of muscular origin was not different between the groups.

Correlation between pressure pain threshold and pain intensity in patients with temporomandibular disorders who are compliant or non-compliant with conservative treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between pain measurements performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in individuals with temporomandibular disorders who underwent conservative treatment. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study assessed 78 individuals diagnosed with myofascial pain, and the treatment consisted of counseling and self-care therapy sessions. Pain was assessed by means of a VAS and PPT at baseline (T0), after 15 to 30 days (T1), and after 75 to 90 days (T2). The participants were divided into two groups: "Compliant Group" and "Non-Compliant Group." The data were analyzed by means of Spearman's correlation test and Friedman's analysis of variance by ranks. RESULTS: Correlations were not identified between the VAS and PPT values at time points-T0, T1, or T2-in any group. CONCLUSION: Although, VAS and PPT represent subjective features, such as the perception of pain, the hypothesis that high pain intensity levels are equivalent to high pain sensitivity levels was not demonstrated.

Shape and Symmetry of Human Condyle and Mandibular Fossa / Forma y Simetría del Cóndilo Humano y Fosa Mandibular

The aim of the study was to determine and classify the shape of the mandibular fossa and the corresponding condyle in different types, relating them to sex and symmetry, in adult human skulls, from lateral, posterior and superior views. The sample included 50 human skulls from 23 to 82 years old, 32 males and 18 females. The condyle and silicone casting molds of the fossa were photographed to assess shape in the three views. Shapes were classified, validated by intra- and inter-rater analysis and frequency, sex distribution and symmetry verified. Shapes were classified as rounded, angled, flattened and mixed types in the lateral and posterior views; and as biconvex, flat-convex, biflattened and mixed in the superior view. Rounded condyle and fossa were more frequent in the lateral (57% and 66% respectively) and posterior (53% and 83%) views. In the superior view, mixed shape presented higher frequency in condyle (59%) while in fossa the biconvex shape (46%) was most common. There was no significant difference in shape distribution by sex. The same shape (symmetry) or otherwise (non-symmetry) in right and left side condyle and fossa were separately assessed and showed various combinations.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar y clasificar la forma de la fosa mandibular y cóndilo correspondiente en diferentes tipos, relacionándolos con el sexo y la simetría en cráneos humanos adultos en perspectivas laterales, posteriores y superiores. La muestra incluyó 50 cráneos humanos de 32 hombres y 18 mujeres entre 23 a 82 años. Fueron fotografiados el cóndilo y moldes de silicona de la fosa para evaluar la forma en los tres puntos. Se clasificaron las formas, validadas por el análisis intra e inter-evaluador, la frecuencia, distribución por sexo y simetría verificada. Las formas fueron clasificadas como redondeada, en ángulo, aplanada y mixtas en las vistas lateral y posterior; y como biconvexa, convexo-plana, y mixta en la vista superior. En las vistas laterales el cóndilo y la fosa redondeada fueron más frecuentes (57% y 66%, respectivamente), mientras que en la vista posterior (53% y 83%). En la vista superior, la forma mixta presentó mayor frecuencia en el cóndilo (59%), mientras que en la fosa la forma biconvexa (46%) fue más común. No hubo diferencia significativa en la distribución de laforma por sexo. La misma forma (simétrica o no-simétrica) en el cóndilo lateral derecho e izquierdo y la fosa fueron evaluadas por separado, y se observaron varias combinaciones.

Frequency and Location of Referred Pain in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder / Frecuencia y Ubicación del Dolor Referido en Pacientes con Trastornos Temporomandibulares

Based on the survey of records regarding the location and frequency of referred pain in patients with temporomandibular disorder when certain pre-established areas are palpated, we proposed an anatomical-topographical division of the head and neck to allow the standardization and reproducibility of locations of referred pain. Of the 835 charts reviewed, 419 (50.2%) patients had referred pain on palpation of the regions based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and palpation of the cervical regions, as often analyzed by the Cochran Q test. The concordance coefficient of Kendall examined the correlation between regions of referred pain concerning to palpated sites. The new regions were defined preauricular, facial lateral, temporoparietal, posterior head, posterior and lateral cervical, anterior cervical and calvaria. The region palpated that originated more referred pain was corresponding to the masseter muscle followed by the region of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, regardless of the side palpated. On palpation of the regions established by the RDC/TMD, the most frequent area of referred pain was the lateral facial region. On palpation of the neck, were the posterior and lateral cervical regions. The sites that originated more referred pain when palpated were the masseter, temporalis, sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Basado en la encuesta de registros relativos a la ubicación y frecuencia de dolor referido en pacientes con trastorno temporomandibular al palpar ciertas áreas preestablecidas, propusimos una division topográfica anatómica de cabeza y cuello para permitir la estandarización y reproducibilidad de los lugares de dolor referido. Al examinar los gráficos de 835 sujetos, 419 un (50,2%) de los pacientes reportaron dolor referido a la palpación de las regiones sobre la base de los Criterios Diagnósticos para la Investigación de Trastornos Temporomandibulares (CDI/TTM) y palpación de la region cervical, con análisis de frecuencia con prueba de Cochran Q. El coeficiente de concordancia de Kendall examinó la correlación entre las regiones de dolor referido en relación a los sitios palpados. Las regiones nuevas fueron definidas como, pre-auricular, facial lateral, temporoparietal, cabeza posterior, posterior y lateral cervical, cervical anterior y bóveda craneal. La región de palpado en la cual se originó el dolor mencionado con mayor frecuencia, corresponde al músculo masetero, seguido por la región del músculo esternocleidomastoideo, independientemente del lado palpado. Durante la palpación de las regiones establecidas por los CDI/TTM, la zona más frecuente de dolor referido fue la región facial lateral. A la palpación del cuello, el dolor referido se reportó en la parte posterior y en las regiones cervicales laterales. Los sitios en los que se originó el mayor dolor referido a la palpación, fueron los músculos maseteros, músculos temporales, esternocleidomastoideo y trapecio.

Therapeutic exercises for the control of temporomandibular disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial disease. For this reason, it is difficult to obtain an accurate and correct diagnosis. In this context, conservative treatments, including therapeutic exercises classified as stretching, relaxation, coordination, strengthening and endurance, are oftentimes prescribed. OBJECTIVE: Thus, the aim of the present article was to conduct a literature review concerning the types of exercises available and the efficacy for the treatment of muscular TMD. METHODS: The review included researches carried out between 2000 and 2010, indexed on Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS and BBO. Moreover, the following keywords were used: Exercise, physical therapy, facial pain, myofascial pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. Studies that did not consider the subject "TMD and exercises", used post-surgery exercises and did not use validated criteria for the diagnosis of TMD (RDC/TMD) were not included. RESULTS: The results comprised seven articles which proved therapeutic exercises to be effective for the treatment of muscular TMD. However, these studies are seen as limited, since therapeutic exercises were not applied alone, but in association with other conservative procedures. In addition, they present some drawbacks such as: Small samples, lack of control group and no detailed exercise description which should have included intensity, repetition, frequency and duration. CONCLUSION: Although therapeutic exercises are considered effective in the management of muscular TMD, the development of randomized clinical trials is necessary, since many existing studies are still based on the clinical experience of professionals.

Therapeutic exercises for the control of temporomandibular disorders

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial disease. For this reason, it is difficult to obtain an accurate and correct diagnosis. In this context, conservative treatments, including therapeutic exercises classified as stretching, relaxation, coordination, strengthening and endurance, are oftentimes prescribed. OBJECTIVE: Thus, the aim of the present article was to conduct a literature review concerning the types of exercises available and the efficacy for the treatment of muscular TMD. METHODS: The review included researches carried out between 2000 and 2010, indexed on Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS and BBO. Moreover, the following keywords were used: Exercise, physical therapy, facial pain, myofascial pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. Studies that did not consider the subject "TMD and exercises", used post-surgery exercises and did not use validated criteria for the diagnosis of TMD (RDC/TMD) were not included. RESULTS: The results comprised seven articles which proved therapeutic exercises to be effective for the treatment of muscular TMD. However, these studies are seen as limited, since therapeutic exercises were not applied alone, but in association with other conservative procedures. In addition, they present some drawbacks such as: Small samples, lack of control group and no detailed exercise description which should have included intensity, repetition, frequency and duration. CONCLUSION: Although therapeutic exercises are considered effective in the management of muscular TMD, the development of randomized clinical trials is necessary, since many existing studies are still based on the clinical experience of professionals.

INTRODUÇÃO: a disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é uma doença multifatorial, geralmente com evolução benigna. Por esse motivo, é difícil a obtenção de um diagnóstico inicial preciso e correto, levando a um consenso na prescrição de tratamentos conservadores, entre eles, os exercícios terapêuticos, que são classificados em exercícios de alongamento, relaxamento, coordenação, fortalecimento e resistência. OBJETIVO: o objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura dos trabalhos que apresentam os tipos de exercícios disponíveis e sua eficácia para o tratamento das DTM musculares. MÉTODOS: foi feito um levantamento bibliográfico, de 2000 a 2010, nas bases se dados Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS e BBO, cruzando os seguintes descritores: exercise, physical therapy, facial pain, myofascial pain syndrome e temporomandibular joint disfunction syndrome. Foram excluídos os trabalhos que não consideravam o tema exercícios e DTM, utilizavam exercícios pós-cirúrgicos e que não utilizavam critérios validados para o diagnóstico da DTM (RDC/TMD). RESULTADOS: resultaram sete artigos, que mostraram que os exercícios terapêuticos foram efetivos para o tratamento de DTM muscular. No entanto, uma das limitações desses estudos foi a não utilização exclusiva dos exercícios durante o tratamento, mas sim sua associação com outros procedimentos conservadores. Outras dificuldades apresentadas foram as amostras pequenas, a falta de grupo controle e a não descrição minuciosa da realização do exercício quanto à intensidade, número de repetições, frequência e duração. CONCLUSÃO: apesar dos exercícios terapêuticos apresentarem eficácia no controle da DTM muscular, é necessário o desenvolvimento de ensaios clínicos randomizados sobre o assunto, pois, muitos dos trabalhos existentes ainda são baseados na experiência clínica do profissional.

Dor miofascial dos músculos da mastigação e toxina botulínica / Jaw muscles myofascial pain and botulinum toxin

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) abrange um conjunto de alterações craniofaciais, que pode envolver a articulação temporomandibular (ATM), os músculos da mastigação e/ou estruturas associadas. As DTM musculares são as mais frequentes e um dos seus subtipos compreende a dor miofascial. A toxina botulínica tipo A (BoNT A), tem sido objeto de estudos no controle da dor, incluindo dor miofascial, e está relacionada ao mecanismo de alívio da dor, não somente nos receptores da junção neuromuscular. O objetivo deste estudo foi acessar os artigos que abordam o uso da BoNT A no tratamento da dor miofascial nos músculos da mastigação. CONTEÚDO: Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados Pubmed, LILACS e BVS, de 2000 a abril de 2012, cruzando-se os descritores: toxinas botulínicas tipo A, síndromes da dor miofascial, dor facial, síndrome da disfunção da articulação temporomandibular, pontos-gatilho, bruxismo, articulação temporomandibular, músculo masseter e músculo temporal. Como critérios de inclusão foram analisados estudos randomizados, duplamente encobertos ou encobertos, com 10 ou mais participantes, de aspectos metodológicos aleatórios, que relacionassem o uso da toxina botulínica na dor miofascial da DTM nos músculos da mastigação, mais especificamente masseter e temporal, limitados para o idioma inglês encontrando-se seis estudos que foram incluídos neste estudo. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da BoNT A não se mostrou mais eficiente no tratamento da dor miofascial do que os tratamentos convencionais já estabelecidos. Por existirem diversas variáveis não controladas nos poucos estudos pertinentes, mais estudos, com metodologias criteriosas, são necessários para viabilizar sua aplicação em pacientes refratários à dor submetidos previamente a tratamentos conservadores.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) involve a set of craniofacial changes, which may involve temporomandibular joint (TMJ), jaw muscles and/or associated structures. Muscle TMD is the most frequent, and one of its subtypes is myofascial pain. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT A), has been studied to control pain, including myofascial pain, and is related to pain relief mechanisms not only in neuromuscular junction receptors. This study aimed at evaluating articles addressing BoNT A to treat jaw muscles myofascial pain. CONTENTS: Pubmed, LILACS and BVS databases were queried from 2000 to April 2012, crossing the following keywords: botulinum toxin type A, myofascial pain syndromes, facial pain, temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome, trigger-points, bruxism, temporomandibular joint, masseter muscle and temporalis muscle. Inclusion criteria were randomized double blind or blind studies, with 10 or more participants, with randomized methodological aspects, relating the use of botulinum toxin for jaw muscles TMD myofascial pain, more specifically masseter and temporalis muscles, and limited to the English language. Six articles were found and included in this study. CONCLUSION: BoNT A was not more effective to treat myofascial pain than established conventional treatments. Because there are many uncontrolled variables in the few related studies, more studies with judicious methodologies are needed to make feasible its use in patients refractory to pain and previously submitted to conservative treatments.

Correlação entre disfunção temporomandibular e fibromialgia / Correlation between temporomandibular disorder and fibromyalgia

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é o termo genérico para um grande número de distúrbios funcionais do sistema da mastigação, da articulação temporomandibular (ATM) e de estruturas associadas. Fibromialgia (FM) é uma das doenças reumatológicas mais frequentes, cuja característica principal manifesta-se com dor musculoesquelética difusa e crônica. Pelo fato dessas duas condições apresentarem diversas semelhanças, tanto na prevalência quanto nas características clínicas; o objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma análise e relatar a possível correlação entre ambas. CONTEÚDO: Realizou-se uma revisão da literatura de 1995 a 2008 nas bases de dados Web of Science, Pubmed, MedLine, LILASC e BBO, cruzando-se os descritores fibromialgia, fibrosite, síndrome da dor miofascial difusa, síndrome da disfunção da articulação temporomandibular (DTM), transtornos da articulação temporomandibular e transtornos crânio mandibulares. Os estudos mostraram que a dor muscular oriunda da DTM, embora seja considerada uma condição regional pode, em determinados indivíduos, coexistir com síndromes dolorosas sistêmicas, como a FM. No entanto, indivíduos com FM apresentam, em sua grande maioria, dolorimento na região de cabeça caracterizando um forte indício da presença de possível DTM. O que se observou é que grande parte dos indivíduos com FM apresentam DTM, porém o inverso não é verdadeiro.CONCLUSÃO: Considerando-se o escasso conhecimento sobre a apresentação orofacial da FM, o tratamento da DTM para pacientes com FM deve ser conservador e direcionado aos possíveis fatores de risco

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a generic term for a large number of functional disorders of the chewing system, of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and of associated structures. Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most frequent rheumatologic diseases, the major characteristic of which is diffuse and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Because these two conditions have several similarities both in prevalence and in clinical characteristics, this study aimed at analyzing and reporting the possible correlation between them.CONTENTS: Literature was reviewed from 1995 to 2008 in Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, LILACS and BBO databases by crossing the keywords fibromyalgia, fibrositis, diffuse myofacial pain syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and craniomandibular disorders. Studies have shown that TMD-related muscular pain although being considered a regional condition may, in certain people, coexist with systemic painful syndromes such as FM. However, the vast majority of people with FM have pain in the head, characterizing a strong evidence of the presence of possible TMD. What has been observed was that a large number of people with FM also have TMD, however the opposite is not true. CONCLUSION: Considering the scarce knowledge about orofacial FM presentation, TMD treatment for FM patients should be conservative and oriented toward potential risk factors.