Computerized analysis of the distribution of occlusal contacts in individuals with Parkinson's disease and temporomandibular disorder

Abstract

Objectives:The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in a sample of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to analyze the distribution of occlusal contacts.Method: The sample was composed of patients with PD aged 50–75 years. Temporomandibular disorder was evaluated using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). The distribution of occlusal contacts was determined using the portable T-Scan III® occlusal analysis system during maximum voluntary clenching. Fisher's exact test was used to test the association between TMD and occlusal contact symmetry.Results: Forty-two individuals with PD were analyzed. The prevalence of TMD was 23.8%. No statistically significant association was found between TMD and occlusal contact symmetry. Moreover, no significant difference in the distribution of occlusal contacts was found between the groups with and without TMD.Discussion: The present data suggest no association between TMD and occlusal contact asymmetry in individuals with PD.Conclusion: The results of this study identified a prevalence of 23.8% of TMD signs in subjects with PD and a high frequency of occlusal asymmetry in this sample.