Temporomandibular dysfunction and its relationship with several risk factors in children aged 7 to 11 years. Los Arabos, Matanzas

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex facial structures and has been recognized as a pain and dysfunction source since the beginning of the last century. Its complicated functioning determines that the minimal alterations produce a great diversity of functional problems, known as temporomandibular disorders that may be originated very early with relation to the cranio-facial growing and development stages. The aim of this work was determining the prevalence of the temporomandibular joint dysfunction and identifying the risk factors associated to these disorders in the studied group. This was a cross- sectional descriptive research; the working universe was formed by 320 children aged 7-11 years, assisting the urban primary school “Sofiel Riverón”. The dysfunction diagnosis was made applying the Krogh Paulsen test. The results showed that 6 of every 100 inquired children had temporomandibular dysfunctions and the risk factors more frequently identified were: oclusal interferences (45 %), parafunctional habits (35 %), bruxism (15 %), and stress (5 %). It was appreciated these factors increment with the age, although not in an even way. It is necessary to emphasize in the functional examination of the children temporomandibular joint in the presence of precocious temporomandibular disorders and, through opportune activities of promotion, prevention and clinical intervention, influence on these risk factors and contribute to diminishing the number of affected children.