The role of occlusal factors on the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between occlusal factors and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). METHODOLOGY: One hundred patients were selected among those who sought medical or dental care in public practice in Recife, Brazil. The presence of malocclusions and absence of five or more posterior teeth were evaluated by the clinical exam. TMD diagnosis was given using Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD). Statistics were carried out using Fisher and Mann-Whitney methods with 5% significance level, as well as multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The sample was mainly comprised of women (83%), individuals over 30 years old (57%) and singles (53%). The percentage of TMD and malocclusion in total sample was 42% and 50%, respectively, while in TMD subjects, malocclusion was present in 38.1%. There was no association between TMD and the occlusal factors studied. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that malocclusion and loss of five or more posterior teeth does not contribute to TMD.