Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction and its association with malocclusion in children and adolescents: an epidemiologic study related to specified stages of dental development.

A sample of 4724 children (2353 girls and 2371 boys) (5-17 years old) were grouped not only by chronological age but also by stage of dental development (deciduous, early mixed, late mixed, and permanent dentition). The registrations included functional occlusion (anterior and lateral sliding, interferences), dental wear, mandibular mobility (maximal opening, deflection), and temporomandibular joint and muscular pain recorded by palpation. Headache was the only symptom of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) reported by the children. The results showed that one or more clinical signs were recorded in 25% of the subjects, most of them being mild in character. The prevalences increased during the developmental stages. Girls were in general more affected than boys. Significant associations were found between different signs, and TMD was associated with posterior crossbite, anterior open bite, Angle Class III malocclusion, and extreme maxillary overjet.