Can temporomandibular joint disorders be diagnosed beforehand by assessment of postural irregularities?

INTRODUCTION: In many studies, relation of postural status and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been investigated, however there is no consensus on this regard. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between postural irregularities (forward head posture-FHP and different shoulder levels-DSL) and (TMD) prevalence in different dentition stages.
METHODS: This study, which included children between 4 to 14 years of age attending the public schools in Ankara, was planned as a cross-sectional study. TMJ was examined intra and extraorally. After the examination, the relationship between TMD and body posture (FHP and DSL) was investigated. For the statistical analysis, Chi-Square Test and Fisher’s Exact Test were used with significance level of 0.05.
RESULTS: FHP and DSL were statistically related to the TMD (p<0.05). In primary dentition, there was no significant relation between the FHP and TMD, however, DSL were found to be significantly related to TMD (p<0.05). In mixed dentition, both of these parameters were statistically related to TMD (p<0.05). However, in the permanent dentition, there was no relation between the body posture and TMD.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Since there is a strong correlation between postural irregularities and TMD especially in mixed dentition stage, TMJ and postural status of pediatric patients should be examined as possible as early stages of the life. In this regard, the awareness of pediatricians and pediatric dentists needs to be increased.