Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in individuals seeking treatment at dental hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) being the most prevalent orofacial condition, is one of the major reason for patients to seek conservative intervention at dental hospital. The multifactorial etiology of TMDs along with the wide spectrum of associated signs and symptoms, mainly orofacial pain, restricted mouth opening, and deviation, has made the condition difficult to diagnose. The aim of the present study is to determine the signs and symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders according to Research Diagnostic criteria for Temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD). Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at dental hospital, Rajasthan among 1450 individuals. The 209 individuals, above 18 years of age who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Along with signs and symptoms of TMDs (VAS score for orofacial pain, clicking sound, crepitus, reduced mouth opening (less than 40 mm), joint deviation and tenderness, etc.) the structured questionnaire according to RDC/ TMD were also assessed. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software. Results: In the present study population, the prevalence of TMDs was 14.41% only. Most of the patients were in 2nd decade (33.01%) with female predilection (69.85%). The VAS score for patients complaining of orofacial pain (58.85%) was 6.32±1.12 with reduced mouth opening in 42.58%. According to RDC/TMD, the most common finding observed was TM joint deviation (63.15 %), followed by clicking sound (56.93%), crepitus (46.41%), MPDS (12.91%), internal derangements (10.52%) and osteoarthritis (6.22%). Conclusion: The prevalence of TMDs was more prevalent in younger generation, especially with female predilection. The most common signs and symptoms seen in the present study were orofacial pain, followed by reduced mouth opening, TMJ deviation and clicking sound.