Influence of temporomandibular disorder presence and severity on oral health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders are highly prevalent and may impair several oral function- related aspects. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of the presence and severity of temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms on oral health-related quality of life. METHODS: Participated in the study 135 dentistry students of the Federal University of Paraiba. The presence of temporomandibular disorder was determined by means of an anamnesis questionnaire and a summarized clinical evaluation protocol. Oral health-related quality of life was determined by the summarized Oral Health Impact Profile version translated and validated for the Portuguese language. Statistical comparisons between Oral Health Impact Profile-14 means related to the presence of temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms were achieved with Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Volunteers with temporomandibular disorder (p