A efetividade das práticas integrativas e complementares na abordagem de pacientes com DTM: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition of multifactorial origin that affects the stomatognathic system, leading to orofacial pain, functional limitations, and impaired quality of life. Integrative and complementary practices (ICPs), recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and incorporated into Brazil’s National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices within the Unified Health System (SUS), have emerged as promising non-pharmacological alternatives for managing this condition. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of ICPs in the therapeutic approach to patients with TMD, considering pain reduction, improvement in mandibular function, and impact on quality of life. 5 Methodology: This is an integrative literature review. The descriptors "temporomandibular disorders," "integrative medicine," "complementary therapies," "acupuncture," "mindfulness," and "ozone therapy" were used in the PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Only randomized clinical trials published in the last 10 years were included. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 232 participants. Acupuncture was the most investigated practice, demonstrating significant pain reduction and functional improvement. Mindfulness and ozone therapy also showed positive results, although with methodological limitations. Aromatherapy and flower therapy were analyzed on a smaller scale, with promising but still inconclusive findings. Discussion: The predominance of studies on acupuncture reflects its greater scientific recognition. Other integrative and complementary practices (ICPs) lack investigations with stronger methodological rigor and larger sample sizes. The effectiveness of several ICPs still needs to be better established. Conclusion: Among the PICs, acupuncture has proven to be the most effective as an adjunct in the management of TMD. As for the others, additional studies are needed to fully validate their effectiveness.