Objective: The aim of this research was to compare the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) among Venezuelan and Italian adolescents.
Methods: One hundred-seventeen Venezuelan and 138 Italian adolescents aged 11-18 years were examined according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD). Signs and symptoms were registered.
Results: TMD prevalence among Venezuelan adolescents (17.9%) was lower than that among Italian adolescents (29.7%) and was higher in females and in the 15-18 age group. Intra-articular disorders were the most frequent in Venezuelan (8.5%) and Italian adolescents (13.0%). Pain-associated disorders were more frequent in the 11-14 age group, while intra-articular disorders were more frequent in the 15-18 age group in both samples. Italian adolescents presented greater muscle pain and joint noise than Venezuelan adolescents.
Conclusion: TMD prevalence in Venezuelan adolescents was lower than that in Italian adolescents. This suggests the involvement of cultural and/or genetic factors in the etiology of these disorders.
Keywords: Temporomandibular joint disorders; adolescent; ethnic groups; temporomandibular joint.