Signs Of Temporomandibular Disorders Research Articles

Signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders in the elderly

This study investigated the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in the elderly and its association with palpation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory and cervical muscles as well as the presence of headache and joint noises. The sample consisted of 200 elderly of both genders (mean age: 69.2±5.7 years). The clinical evaluation of TMD signs and symptoms was divided into three stages: an anamnestic questionnaire, a TMJ evaluation, and a muscular examination. The results were analyzed through descriptive statistics as well as using χ2 and the tendency tests. The presence of TMD was observed in 61% of the sample (mild: 43.5%, moderate: 13%, severe: 4.5%). A significantly greater prevalence of TMD was found for females (72.4%) compared with that for men (41.1%) (p<0.0001). Additionally, a significant association among TMD severity and palpation of the TMJ (p=0.0168), of masticatory muscles (p<0.0001), and of cervical muscles (p<0.0001) was verified. Also, there was a significant association between the frequency of headaches and the presence of TMD (p=0.0001). The association between the presence of joint noises and sensitivity to TMJ palpation was not significant. The elderly presented high TMD prevalence, mostly in females, with mild severity and related to TMJ and masticatory/cervical muscles palpation. Thus, the accomplishment of a detailed clinical examination to investigate the presence of such disorders is essential and it must not be neglected during the treatment of elderly patients.

Jaw clenching effects in relation to two extreme occlusal features: patterns of diagnoses in a TMD patient population

Objective:The aim of this investigation was to compare the pattern of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) diagnoses in clenching patients with different occlusal features, the null hypothesis being that no between-group differences exist.Materials and methods:Two groups of subjects receiving a jaw clenching diagnosis and having large overjet or anterior open bite (Group A; N = 45, 75·5% females, mean age: 38·1±15·9 years) or normal occlusion (Group B; N = 69, 71% females, mean age: 34·6±13·8 years) were recruited among a TMD patient population and were given Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) axis I diagnoses, namely, group I muscle disorders, group II disc displacements, and group III arthralgia/osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis.Major findings:The distribution of RDC/TMD single and combined group diagnoses was significantly different between the two groups (P<0·05), with Group A subjects showing a higher prevalence of multiple diagnoses (60% versus 43·3%), as well as a higher prevalence of combined RDC/TMD axis I group II and III diagnoses (37·8% versus 20·2%). All TMD signs and symptoms were more frequent in the patients with large overjet or anterior open bite with respect to the patients with normal occlusion.Conclusion:In a TMD patient population, jaw clenching may have different consequences in subjects with large overjet or anterior open bite with respect to subjects featuring normal occlusion.

Frequency of electromyographic indices alterations in temporomandibular disorders and their correlation with pain intensity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Understanding the importance of surface electromyography as a complementary method to understand the myofunctional status of the stomatognathic system, this study aimed at analyzing the frequency of altered and normal electromyographic indices in a sample of subjects with temporomandibular disorders, in addition to their relation with pain complaint.METHODS:Participated in the study 44 individuals with temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms (11 males and 33 females), with mean age of 39 years, who were submitted to surface electromyography. Pain intensity was measured by the visual analog scale. Total Asymmetry Index (AStotal), Masseter Asymmetry Index (ASMM), Temporal Asymmetry Index (ASTA), Activation Index (ACtotal) and Torque Index (TOtotal) were calculated. Correlation between pain intensity and electromyographic indices was checked by Pearson correlation test and sample characterization with regard to investigated indices was done by descriptive analysis.RESULTS:Means of all indices were within previously established normality patterns. The frequency of altered electromyographic indices in our sample was high (ASMM=68%; ASTA=64%; TOtotal=64%; AStotal=55%). With regard to ACtotal, there has been predominance of masseter activity as compared to temporal activity, both for normal and altered values. Among individuals with altered indices, the left side had superior activity. No correlation was found between pain intensity and the level of electromyographic indices alterations (p>0.05).CONCLUSION:The frequency of electromyographic indices alterations in individuals with temporomandibular disorders is high, pointing to the possible presence of myofunctional disorders of the stomatognathic system. These indices have no direct relation with pain complaint but show muscular activity imbalance, which may not be useful to diagnose pain, but may help the correct referral to relevant muscle therapies.

Influence of defective complete dentures renewal on TMD; an MRI and clinical controlled prospective study

The influence of complete denture occlusion on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is controversial. Some studies found that defective occlusion contributes to the development of TMD, while others found no correlation. This prospective controlled study evaluated the relationship between renewal of old defective complete dentures and TMD as evidenced both by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The study included 25 complete denture patients with signs and symptoms of TMD and 21 asymptomatic controls. Clicking was a common finding in all symptomatic joints. All selected participants needed complete denture renewal. MRI and clinical assessment following research diagnostic criteria for TMD guidelines (RDC/TMD) were carried out at baseline and 2 years after new complete denture insertion. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, muscle pain, clicking and movement limitation were the assessed signs and symptoms. MRIs were conducted to evaluate the TMJs for disc displacement, disc morphology and joint effusion. Complete denture renewal significantly improved the signs and symptoms of TMD in symptomatic group (p < 0.01). Only in the symptomatic group, treatment resulted in a significant increase in joints displaying superior (normal) disc position (symptomatic p < 0.001; asymptomatic p = 0.157). New dentures did not affect disc morphology in both groups (p = 0.5 for both groups) but significantly reduced joint effusion in the symptomatic group (symptomatic p < 0.001; asymptomatic p = 0.5). Relationship between clinical and MRI findings was not one to one. New complete dentures had a positive impact on TMD signs and symptoms, disc position and joint effusion but not on disc morphology.

Povezanost u rasprostranjenosti simptoma temporomandibularnih poremećaja kod sportaša i nesportaša u adolescentnoj dobi

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are among the most challenging diseases of modern populations in diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic terms. Diverse symptomatology requires teamwork and a multidisciplinary approach to this problem, therefore many researchers and clinicians in dentistry, otolaryngology, orthopaedics, neurology, radiology, rheumatology, and other areas deal with this disorder. Temporomandibular disorders is the common name for a number of pathological conditions that can have similar signs and symptoms, which lead to an imbalance of the normal functions of the stomatognathic system (1). Many epidemiological studies have examined the incidence of temporomandibular disorders in certain populations. It is now known that 60-70% of the population has at least one sign of temporomandibular disorder and that the ratio of temporomandibular disorders prevalence between women and men is Uvod

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

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.

Short- and Long-Term Changes of Condylar Position After Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy for Mandibular Advancement in Combination With Le Fort I Osteotomy Evaluated by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) may change condylar position, which can be one of the factors contributing to skeletal relapse. This study evaluated short- and long-term changes in condylar position using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and investigated changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) signs after BSSO for mandibular advancement in combination with Le Fort I osteotomy. Thirty-one patients were included, and CBCT data of 62 TMJs were collected before surgery (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), 3 months after surgery (T2), and at the last follow-up at 12.1 ± 3.0 months after surgery (T3). The relation of the condyle to the fossa was evaluated by the method of Pullinger and Hollender (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 62:719, 1986). Clinical examination, with a special focus on signs of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), was documented at T0, T2, and T3. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (P = .05) and χ2 test (P = .05) were performed. Data of 27 patients were used for statistical analysis. Values from the formula of Pullinger and Hollender changed significantly with time, but there was no significant difference between the right and left condyles. Condyles moved inferoposteriorly immediately after surgery (T0 to T1) followed by anterosuperior movement 3 months after surgery (T1 to T2). The superimposed effect showed posterosuperior movement compared with the initial position before surgery (T0 to T2) and this position remained stable at 1-year follow-up (T2 to T3). A decrease of TMD signs over time, from 22.6% (T0) to 12.9% (T2) and 9.7% (T3), was observed, which showed no statistical significance. There were obvious changes in condylar position after BSSO in combination with Le Fort I osteotomy. Condyles tended to be located in a concentric position in relation to the glenoid fossa 3 months after surgery and remained stable during the 1-year follow-up. These changes did not cause an increase of TMD signs.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction in various rheumatic diseases

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is an inclusive term in which those conditions disturbing the masticatory function are embraced. It has been estimated that 33% of the population have signs of TMD, but less than 5% of the population will require treatment. The objective of this study was to measure the frequency of TMD in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthrosis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and systemic lupus erythematosus, and to define the limitations in everyday's life that patients perceive when present. A six-month survey of consecutive outpatients in a rheumatology clinic in a teaching hospital in Mexico was carried out. We defined TMD as: 1) the presence of pain; 2) difficulty on mouth opening, chewing or speaking; 3) the presence of non-harmonic movements of the temporomaxilar joints. All three characteristics had to be present. Z test was used to define differences between proportions. We present the results of 171 patients. Overall, 50 patients had TMD according to our operational definition (29.24%). Up to 76% of the sample had symptoms associated with the condition. TMD is more frequent in OA and in AS (29.24% vs 38% OA, P=0.009; 39% AS; P=0.005). We found no association between the severity of TMD and the request for specific attention for the discomfort produced by the condition. Only 8 of 50 (16%) patients with TMD had requested medical help for their symptoms, and they were not the most severe cases. TMD is more frequent in RA and OA. Although it may produce severe impairment, patients seem to adapt easily.

Residents' journal review

Residents' journal review

Orofacial manual therapy improves cervical movement impairment associated with headache and features of temporomandibular dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial

There is evidence that temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may be a contributing factor to cervicogenic headache (CGH), in part because of the influence of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint on the cervical spine. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether orofacial treatment in addition to cervical manual therapy, was more effective than cervical manual therapy alone on measures of cervical movement impairment in patients with features of CGH and signs of TMD. In this study, 43 patients (27 women) with headache for more than 3-months and with some features of CGH and signs of TMD were randomly assigned to receive either cervical manual therapy (usual care) or orofacial manual therapy to address TMD in addition to usual care. Subjects were assessed at baseline, after 6 treatment sessions (3-months), and at 6-months follow-up. 38 subjects (25 female) completed all analysis at 6-months follow-up. The outcome criteria were: cervical range of movement (including the C1-2 flexion-rotation test) and manual examination of the upper 3 cervical vertebra. The group that received orofacial treatment in addition to usual care showed significant reduction in all aspects of cervical impairment after the treatment period. These improvements persisted to the 6-month follow-up, but were not observed in the usual care group at any point. These observations together with previous reports indicate that manual therapists should look for features of TMD when examining patients with headache, particularly if treatment fails when directed to the cervical spine.

Association between parafunctional habits and signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction among adolescents.

To determine associations between signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and harmful oral habits. Two hundred forty-four adolescents from a public school in the city of São Roque, Brazil, were evaluated. A screening questionnaire for orofacial pain and TMD recommended by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain was used to determine signs and symptoms of TMD. Patient histories and clinical exams were used to determine harmful oral habits. Eighty-three participants (34%) displayed no signs or symptoms of TMD, 161 (66%) responded affirmatively to at least one item on the questionnaire and 49 (20.1%) gave at least three affirmative responses. Headache was the most frequently reported sign or symptom of TMD (40.6%; n = 99). There was no statistically significant association between gender and signs or symptoms of TMD (P = 0.281). Twenty-five percent (n = 61) of the patients had no harmful oral habits, while 16.4% (n = 40) had only one habit, the most common of which was nail biting. A total of 20.1% (n = 49) reported two harmful oral habits and 38.5% (n = 94) reported three or more such habits. There was a statistically significant association between signs and symptoms of TMD and three or more habits. A statistically significant association was found between signs and/or symptoms of TMD and harmful oral habits in adolescents.

Digital Evaluation of Functional Occlusion Parameters and their Association with Temporomandibular Disorders

Dental researchers are contradictory in their opinion on the role of occlusion in TMD. Occlusal evaluation of both conventional and digital methods in TMD patients will provide the accurate information about the factors accountable for occlusal instability. Identifying the factors responsible will facilitate precise diagnosis and treatment for TMD. The AIM of the study was to determine the dynamic occlusal parameters strongly associated with the etiology of Temporomandibular disorders. Study group consisted of 100 patients; it included 50 patients with normal TMJ(Group I) and remaining 50 patients had a minimum of one positive sign or symptom of Temporomandibular disorder (GroupII). The patient's dynamic occlusal contacts were evaluated by both conventional and digital methods. The Articulating paper was utilized for conventional occlusion analysis. During conventional analysis centric, lateral and protrusive interferences were evaluated along with loss of vertical dimension. Digital occlusal analysis was performed with T-Scan III. Clusion time, disclusion times were recorded for both groups. Chi-square and Student't' statistical analyses were performed to ascertain the association and statistically significant difference between the groups using SPSS19. Group II patients predominantly (66%)had Group-function occlusion compared to Group I subject. Centric slide more than 2 mm found to have strong influence (p value 0.008) on the etiology of TMD. Among the occlusal interferences evaluated balanced side interferences had a strong correlation with TMD with p-value of 0.003. Working side interferences, protrusive interferences had a p-value of 0.157, 0.826 respectively, indicating weak association. T-Scan analysis showed Group I had 0.689, 0.9136, 0.7952, 0.9794 seconds of clusion, left, right, protrusive disclusion time respectively compared to corresponding 1.862, 1.7995, 1.6978, 1.9296 seconds for Group II. Statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) was found between the mean values of both groups. Among the dynamic occlusal parameters evaluated centric slide and balancing side interferences were found to be highly influential in TMD etiology. TMD patients had prolonged clusion and disclusion times compared to healthy TMJ patients.

Oral Health, Temporomandibular Disorder, and Masticatory Performance in Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 2

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism, as well as to measure masticatory performance of subjects with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). Methods and Results. The average number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) for both groups, control (CG) and CMT2, was considered low (CG = 2.46; CMT2 = 1.85, P = 0.227). The OHIP-14 score was considered low (CG = 2.86, CMT2 = 5.83, P = 0.899). The prevalence of self-reported TMD was 33.3% and 38.9% (P = 0.718) in CG and CMT2 respectively and for self-reported bruxism was 4.8% (CG) and 22.2% (CMT2), without significant difference between groups (P = 0.162). The most common clinical sign of TMD was masseter (CG = 38.1%; CMT2 = 66.7%) and temporalis (CG = 19.0%; GCMT2 = 33.3%) muscle pain. The geometric mean diameter (GMD) was not significantly different between groups (CG = 4369; CMT2 = 4627, P = 0.157). Conclusion. We conclude that the CMT2 disease did not negatively have influence either on oral health status in the presence and severity of TMD and bruxism or on masticatory performance.

Features of Temporomandibular Disorders in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of clinical features of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with fibromyalgia. The test group (FMG) consisted of 40 women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to the control group of 40 healthy subjects using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). The variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test and a Mann-Whitney test. Facial pain was reported by 85% of the FM group, and 77.5% were diagnosed with myofascial TMD. Muscle pain during jaw movements, daytime bruxism/clenching, and limited mouth opening were significantly higher in the test group. There was no difference between groups in: 1. joint noises; 2. sleep bruxism/clenching; and 3. excursive or non-excursive movements. Classic signs of TMD, such as joint noise and self-reporting of clenching at night, are not associated with fibromyalgia syndrome as demonstrated in the current study. However, the self-reported daytime parafunctions, muscle pain in jaw movements, and limited mouth opening are features of the patients in the current study. This study revealed specific muscle involvement of TMD is also presence in FM.

The Influence of Craniofacial Morphology on Mandibular Border Movements

Although they are widely used as diagnostic signs of temporomandibular disorders, mandibular border movements reflect not only condylar movement, but also other factors. In the present study, the authors investigated the effect of craniofacial morphology on three different mandibular border movements: maximum jaw opening, maximum jaw protrusion, and maximum jaw laterotrusion. One hundred female subjects were selected from outpatients visiting the orthodontic clinic of Okayama University Hospital. The mandibular border movements were measured using an optical recording system in three dimensions as six degrees of freedom. The craniofacial morphology was evaluated using lateral cephalograms. The results suggest that craniofacial morphology had different influences on each mandibular border movement. In particular, during maximum jaw laterotrusion, lower incisor movement strongly reflected condylar movement, and the influence of craniofacial morphology on mandibular border movement was minimal. Therefore, lower incisor movement during maximum jaw laterotrusion appears suitable to evaluate condylar movement.

Effect of Mandibular Advancement Device Therapy on the Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders

ABSTRACTObjectivesMandibular advancement device therapy is effectively used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, but also several side effects in the masticatory system have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective symptoms and clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders connected to mandibular advancement device therapy.Material and MethodsThe material consisted of 15 patients (9 men and 6 women, mean age 51.1 years, range 21 to 70 years) diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Subjective symptoms and clinical temporomandibular disorders (TMD) signs were recorded at the beginning of the treatment (baseline) and at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 24-month follow-ups. The degree of TMD was assessed using the anamnestic (Ai) and the clinical dysfunction index (Di) of Helkimo. For assessing the effect of TMD the patients were divided in discontinuing and continuing groups.ResultsAccording to Ai and Di, the severity of TMD remained unchanged during the follow-up in most of the patients. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) crepitation was found more frequently in discontinuing patients at all follow-ups. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) at the six-month follow-up. Masticatory muscle pain during palpation was a frequent clinical sign at the baseline and during the follow-up period but the difference between discontinuing and continuing patients was not significant.ConclusionsIt seems that signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders do not necessarily increase during long-term mandibular advancement device therapy. However, it seems that patients with clinically assessed temporomandibular joint crepitation may discontinue their mandibular advancement device therapy due to temporomandibular disorders.

Disfunção temporomandibular em gestantes

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM) podem apresentar-se como dor à função e palpação muscular e/ou articular, diminuição da amplitude bucal, travamentos mandibulares, estalos articulares, entre outros, que quando presentes durante a gravidez podem gerar um importante impacto na qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a literatura a respeito da prevalência de sinais e sintomas de DTM em gestantes. CONTEÚDO: Realizou-se busca eletrônica nas principais bases de dados internacionais disponíveis (Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, Pubmed), referente ao período de janeiro de 2000 a agosto de 2012. Inicialmente foram encontrados 17 artigos, e após a aplicação dos critérios estabelecidos restaram três para inclusão e discussão neste estudo. CONCLUSÃO: Há menor, porém não significativa prevalência de sinais e sintomas de DTM em pacientes gestantes.

Temporomandibular Disorders in Scuba Divers—An Increased Risk During Diving Certification Training

The design of a diving regulator's mouthpiece increases the risk of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in scuba divers. The total weight of a diving regulator is reflected directly on the temporomandibular joint, causing articular and periarticular disorders. In the current study, the prevalence of TMD in scuba divers triggered during diving certification training is investigated. We also aimed to determine the factors that lead to TMD during diving training and clarify the observation that there is an increased incidence of TMD in inexperienced divers. The study was held between 2006 and 2011. Ninety-seven divers were referred with the complaint of pain around temporomandibular area. The divers were classified according to their diving experience. Symptoms and signs of TMD were graded. Fourteen divers were diagnosed with TMD. Temporomandibular disorder was seen more frequently in inexperienced divers than in experienced divers (P = 0.0434). The most prevalent symptom was an increased effort for mouthpiece gripping. Temporomandibular joint tenderness and trigger point activation were the mostly seen physical signs. Thirteen divers had an improvement with therapy. The increased effort for stabilizing the mouthpiece is a recognized factor in TMD development. Attention must be paid to an association of scuba diving with TMDs, especially in inexperienced divers having a scuba certification training.

Sintomas otológicos em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular tratados com aparelhos oclusais lisos e planos

IntroductionOtorhinolaryngological patients frequently report temporomandibular joint disorders signs and symptoms. The association between aural symptoms and disfunction has already been described. Aimto assess effects of flat occlusal appliances on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders patients with otologic symptoms. Material and methodstwenty five Temporomandibular Joint Disorders volunteers presenting otologic symptoms were treated with flat occlusal appliances and followed during ninety days. Bilateral transcranial temporomandibular joints radiographs and tonal audiometry were obtained before and after intervention. Pain was measured with a modified visual analogue scale (VAS). Resultsin the end of treatment, statistically decrease on otologic symptoms, as well as radiographic condilar position changes could be observed, but no statistically significant changes on audiometric scores were noted. Conclusionflat occlusal appliances were able to improve otological symptoms associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and to promote radiographic condilar position changes after treatment, but audiometric results could not related neither to otologic reported symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders or deafness.Clinical trial registration number (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry): ACTRN12610000172000.

연령에 따른 턱관절장애의 증상과 징후의 유병률

Previous studies of the relationship of TMJ signs and symptoms in elderly people have provided inconsistent findings. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders(TMD). Additionally, young subjects were examined as a control group. Forty old patients (28 female, 12 male, mean age: 65.2±2.5 years) and forty young patients (30 female, 10 male, mean age: 23.3±2.6 years) clinically diagnosed with TMD were screened. Patient records were analyzed regarding: pain on chief complain, amount of range of mouth opening, TMJ noises(clicking sounds, crepitus), pain on palpation of the TMJ and masticatory muscles and neck and upper back muscles. Differences between the groups were assessed using t-test and the chi-squared test. (SPSS v.17) P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Geriatric subjects more often exhibited crepitus on mouth opening (25%), muscular palpation pain of masseter muscles (82.5%) and temporal muscles(60%). In contrast, young subjects more frequently exhibited joint sounds (62.5%), more amount of range of passive mouth opening (p=0.043). It was found that the younger subjects (82.5%) and the older subjects (87.5%) suffered from subjective sign (orofacial pain on chief complain). There were not statistically significant relationships between orofacial pain (VAS) and the groups. Differences between the groups with respect to joint sounds, muscular palpation pain and mandibular range of motion were significant. Although older subjects more frequently exhibited objective signs (crepitus on opening, pain on muscular palpation) of TMD, younger subjects more frequently objective signs (clicking sound on mouth opening, amount of mandibular range of motion).