(59) Temporomandibular Disorder in Patients With Autism Spectrum

Abstract: Temporomandibular disorders are defined as a set of alterations involving the muscles and bones of the stomatognathic complex, which can present various signs and symptoms, including bruxism and clenching during sleep and wakefulness, impairing the patient’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) and behavioral habits of 22 patients with autism spectrum disorder. The procedures consisted of anamnesis, clinical examination, and the application of the RDC/TMD questionnaire, carried out at Alternativa and Apae Luan Muller Schools. The data obtained was converted into tables and graphs showing age, gender, incidence of arthralgia and myalgia, as well as the scales of parafunction, jaw limitation, depression, and anxiety. In the results, patients had an average of 45.5% bruxism and clenching during sleep, while 63.6% had waking bruxism and 59.1% showed signs of daytime clenching. A further 40.9% reported problems with insomnia or difficulty sleeping, and 54.4% manifested high TMD. Arthralgia was more common in males (68.8%), while myalgia affected a total of 77.3% of the participants. In conclusion, autistic patients have a higher percentage of parafunction and TMD than the general population.