PURPOSE: To verify and analyze the characteristics of the jaw movements during speech in subjects with temporomandibular disorders and in asymptomatic ones, checking for the interference of these disorders, associating the findings with the symptoms related to speech. METHODS: Fifty subjects, both genders, ages ranging from 21 to 50 years, were evaluated and divided into two groups: G1 with 25 subjects with temporomandibular disorders, and G2 with 25 asymptomatic subjects. Exclusion criteria: dentofacial deformities, anterior and posterior teeth absences, cross bite, open bite, and/or dental prosthesis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences regarding symptoms of speech were observed between the groups in questions related to the presence of noise, tiredness limitation, pain, deviations, dislocations, locking and hoarseness, with greater incidence in G1. With regards to the characteristics of the jaw movements, it was observed that in G1 there were significantly more subjects with reduction of vertical amplitude and deviations in jaw movements, and fewer subjects with protrusive movements. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of temporomandibular disorders seems to interfere in the articulation of speech. The jaw movements associated with these disorders were reduction of vertical amplitude and deviations in laterality of the jaw movements. The symptoms of speech seem to be associated to temporomandibular disorders and reflect the movements observed.
Temporomandibular joint; Arthralgia; Temporomandibular joint disorders; Speech; Articulation disorders
