Tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders: The knowledge of professionals for primary health care in the city of Curitiba

Abstract

Introduction: The high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus along with the negative effects on the quality of life of affected individuals makes this association a matter of public health. Objective: To assess the knowledge of primary health care professionals about the interrelationship between temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus. Materials and Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire for a group of 54 dental surgeons. The statistical analysis used involved descriptive analyses through absolute and relative frequency distributions. Results: The results showed that the professionals do not, as a routine, examine the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles during physical examination. In addition, there was a low percentage of correct answers on questions that assess knowledge. Conclusions: There is a need to inform dentists about the interrelationship between temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus. Furthermore, there is a need to encourage managers to establish teaching and learning tools that support and strengthen the role of dentists in primary health care. In this way, routine visits might minimize these disorders, and thus contribute to the quality of life of the population.