Temporomandibular joint evaluation in subjects with Down syndrome

Background

Subjects with Down syndrome present hypotonia, stomatognathic alteration system, such as small oral cavity, macroglossia and malocclusions, may suggest a higher risk for temporomandibular disorders.

Aim

To evaluate the temporomandibular joint of Down syndrome subjects with, to verify temporomandibular disorders prevalence and possible postural associations.

Material and methods

Forty subjects was included in this study. Temporomandibular joint was evaluated across functional physical screening and questions about daily habits. After, the subjects was submitted a postural evaluation through photographic registers in front of a crisscross space.

Results

Most subjects was presented temporomandibular disorders (77.5%). The most common signs and symptoms found were bite alterations and parafunctional habits. Moreover, parafunctional habits and pain were positively correlated to temporomandibular disorder in these subjects (p = 0.038 and p = 0.016 respectively). Postural alterations were not significant correlation with temporomandibular disorder.

Conclusions

To verified a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorder and important relationship between parafunctional habits and pain in subjects with Down syndrome.