Is the patient suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome more likely to develop Temporomandibular Dysfunction?

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is commonly related to chronic pain, including temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The problems involving TMJ may also have reflexes on the quality of sleep, indicating, in this way, a possible interrelationship between these two disorders. Objectives: to analyze the relationship between TMD and OSAS and to investigate whether there is evidence of this association in scientific studies. Methodology: This article adopted as an integrative review methodology. The databases used for the research were PubMed, Lilacs, IBICT and Cochrane. Six articles were selected from the research and inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the papers were catelogated and classified according to the level of scientific evidence of the drawings of their studies. Results: The articles found revealed a strong tendency for patients with OSAS to develop TMD. However, confirmation of clinical suspicions is not yet possible. Conclusion: New studies are needed, with better research instruments and a higher degree of scientific recommendation, so that they can provide a better basis for the therapeutic behavior of health professionals