Objective: In athletes who perform defensive sports, the maxillofacial region is more at risk of trauma than those involved in other sports. Repeated trauma to the mandible can lead to inflammatory responses in the masticatory muscles, laxity of the ligaments, and internal disorders. In this study, we aimed to examine the incidence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in athletes who perform defensive sports and the symptoms that may occur. We also aimed to compare the data we obtained with individuals who did not do sports.

Material and Method: Male individuals between the ages of 18-31 who applied to our clinic and were engaged in defense sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and karate for at least 5 years were included in the study group. (n=30) The control group was chosen among healthy individuals in the same age group who had never been involved in sports. (n=30) Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of demographic information, anamnesis information, and TMD symptoms. Clinical examinations were performed intraorally and extraorally. In addition, clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was performed following the Axis I assessment and examination instructions reported in the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), and those with TMD symptoms were recorded.

Results: In the athletes participating in our study, symptoms such as deviation during mouth opening, pain in the TMJ capsule and masticatory muscles, and hypermobility; were higher than the participants in the control group. TMD was diagnosed in 60% of the athletes and 23.3% of the control group.

Conclusion: In order to prevent TMJ complications in athletes who perform defensive sports and to detect clinical signs of TMJ micro-macro trauma, athletes should be routinely examined, personalized mouthguards should be recommended, and awareness should be raised in terms of protecting TMJ health.

Athletes Trauma Temporomandibular joint Temporomandibular joint disorders