The Prevalence of Symptoms and Signs of Temporomandibular Disorders among a Group of Young Adult Jordanian Population

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint in 18 years old Jordanian population and to establish a baseline data for comparison with other studies. Methods: A group of young adult Jordanians presented to Officer Election Committee for Mu’tah Military University in 2004 were included in this study. A questionnaire was designed to assess the anamnestic and clinical dysfunction indices according to Helkimo. The anamnestic examination was based on the reported symptoms. While the clinical examination was based on maximum mandibular opening, protrusive and lateral movements, auscultation of temporomandibular joint and palpation of joint and muscles of mastication. Data were collected, tabulated, and analysed using Chi-square test and Correlation coefficients tests. Results: A total of 5,312 Jordanians (3,871 males, 1,441 females) were examined. There were no significant differences between males and females either in reported symptoms or clinical signs. Whilst about 63% reported no symptoms (Ai 0), 21.5% reported mild, and severe symptoms (Ai I) and (Ai II). Similarly, 31.2% showed no signs of dysfunction (Di 0); 47.9% had mild signs (Di I); 17.1% showed moderate signs (Di II); and 3.8% showed severe signs of dysfunction (Di III). There were low but significant correlations between Anamnestic index score (Ai) and the recorded signs (Di) as well as the clinical dysfunction score. Conclusion: The data obtained from the physical examination and questionnaire identified a high prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in 18-year-old Jordanians. Further studies are required to evaluate the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in older age groups among Jordanian population.