Abstract
Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are very common disorders affecting the population and causing pain. Researchers have reported a high prevalence of TMDs among university students due to increased distress. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of TMDs in Umm al-Qura University (UQU) dental students using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), and to examine the relationship between anxiety, bruxism, and TMDs among those students. Methods: The DC/TMD pain screener questionnaire was completed by dental students. Students who reported TMD pain or had at least one positive TMD symptom were invited to the dental clinic for a full TMJ evaluation. History of bruxism was documented and an ultra-brief tool for detecting anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 PHQ) was completed by all students. Results: A total of 240 students responded to the TMD pain screener in which 119 reported at least one TMJ symptom. Only 93 dental students presented to clinical examination in which 64.5% (n=60) of them had temporomandibular joint disorders. Disc displacement with reduction and local myalgia (38.7% & 32.25%, respectively) were the most frequent diagnosis. A total of 29% (n=27) of students had more than one diagnosis. Overall, 41 participants (44.09%) reported a positive response to the anxiety scale and (n=38) 40% of participants reported parafunctional habits. Both the history of bruxism and anxiety were significantly related to TMDs (P=0.0002) and also significantly higher in women of higher academic years (P≤0.01). Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of TMDs among UQU dental students. Disc displacement with reduction was the most prevalent disorder. Bruxism and anxiety were associated with painful TMDs.
Highlights
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a very common group of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the face causing pain
A total of 304 electronic questionnaires were sent via email to all dental students at Umm al-Qura university who were between 2nd year to the internship with a total of 6 academic years
The present study found that half of Umm al-Qura University (UQU) dental students reported at least one TMD symptom
Summary
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a very common group of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the face causing pain. They are considered a significant public health burden in approximately 5% to 12% of the general population (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research 2018, July). Chronic parafunctional habits can cause repetitive trauma to the masticatory system, which may result in painful TMD episodes (Schiffman, Ohrbach et al 2014). 41 participants (44.09%) reported a positive response to the anxiety scale and (n=38) 40% of participants reported parafunctional habits Both the history of bruxism and anxiety were significantly related to TMDs (P=0.0002) and significantly higher in women of higher academic years (P≤0.01).
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