Symptoms Of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Research Articles

TMD symptoms and vertical mandibular symmetry in young adult orthodontic patients in North Sumatra, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) includes symptoms of pain and dysfunction in the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint. Differences in vertical condylar height, observed in the assessment of mandibular asymmetry, is a structural alteration that represents a risk factor for TMD. The study aimed to evaluate the association between TMD symptoms and vertical mandibular symmetry in young adult orthodontic patients in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 18-25-year-old (mean ± SD, 21.9 ± 2.0 years) old orthodontic patients admitted to the Dental Hospital of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, between June 2016 and March 2017. Vertical mandibular asymmetry was assessed from all 106 subjects using Kjellberg's technique from pre-treatment panoramic radiographs. The TMD symptoms were assessed by structural interviews using modified questionnaires based on Temporomandibular Disorder Diagnostic Index and Fonseca's Anamnestic Index. Results: Of the 106 subjects, 26 (24.5% of the total) with vertical mandibular symmetry and 39 (36.8%) with vertical mandibular asymmetry were positive for TMD symptoms. By contrast, 17 patients (16.0% of the total) with vertical condylar symmetry and 24 patients (22.6%) with vertical mandibular asymmetry were regarded negative for TMD symptoms. There was no significant difference (p=0.520) in TMD symptoms based on vertical mandibular symmetry. Conclusion: The results from this studied Sumatran population indicate that there are common TMD symptoms in young adult orthodontic patients, but there is no significant association between vertical mandibular asymmetry and TMD symptoms. Further study on the development of TMD, mandibular asymmetry and treatment planning for growing patients is suggested, using longitudinal and transitional approaches.

Presence of parafunctional habits in temporomandibular articulation disorders in university students

Objective: To identify the presence of parafunctional oral habits and to evaluate its association with signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in university students. Methods/Statistical Analysis: A non-experimental design with a transversal descriptive cut was assumed. The sample was non-probabilistic at convenience: 168 students of the Physiotherapy Program. Students who will use the orthodontic devices were excluded. The instruments used were the selfreport questionnaire for Parafunctional Oral Habits, the Mobility Tests and the Krogh-Paulsen Test. The data were analyzed statistically, by means of the χ ^ 2 and Fisher Exacta Tests. Findings: In relation to Parafunctional Habits, 69% share large fruits with their mouths; 40% had temporomandibular joint disorder. The application of the Krogh Paulse Test found an association between pain areas and Parafunctional Habits (p < 0.05). Using a multivariate analysis, the results showed that chewing gum has a significant relationship with the pain that originates when speaking (p = 0.025), yawning (p = 0.011) and biting (p = 0.01). The introduction of hard objects to the mouth is significantly related to facial swelling (p = 0.042). Application/Improvements: High presence of Parafunctional Oral Habits was observed, such as splitting large fruits with the mouth, introducing hard objects to the mouth and chewing gum, which were the most significantly associated with TMJ disorder in university students who did not present orthodontic device. Keywords: Disorders, Parafunctional Oral Habits, Temporomandibular Articulation, University Students.

Assessment of MRI findings and clinical symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

To investigate the correlations among various temporomandibular joint (TMJ) findings on MRI and the relationships between MRI findings and symptoms. 425 patients (850 TMJs) with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) who underwent MRI were enrolled. Oblique sagittal proton density-weighted and T2weighted images in open- and closed-mouth positions were evaluated. MRI findings included disc configuration, disc position, condylar morphology, bone marrow pattern, and joint effusion. Symptoms included TMJ pain, TMJ noise, and limitation of mouth opening. For statistical analyses, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and logistic regression analysis were applied. Folded disc, disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR), and osteophytes had significant negative correlations with other normal MRI findings (p < 0.01). DDWOR and marrow edema were associated with TMJ pain. Conversely, osteophytes [odds ratio (OR): 0.52; 95% CI (0.30-0.90)] and combination-type condylar degeneration [OR: 0.45; 95% CI (0.24-0.83)] were associated with decreased risk of TMJ pain. Condylar flattening was positively associated with TMJ noise [OR: 5.25; 95% CI (1.44-19.07)] and negatively associated with limitation of mouth opening [OR: 0.34; 95% CI (0.11-0.99)]. High-grade joint effusion was significantly associated with TMJ pain and noise. DDWOR and high-grade joint effusion (an indicator of inflammation in the articular cavity) were associated with TMD symptoms. This finding suggests that treatment strategy for DDWOR and decreasing inflammation might lessen clinical TMD symptoms. Condylar degeneration was not associated with indicators of inflammation or TMJ symptoms. These results suggest that patients with TMD symptoms should undergo initial MRI to allow rapid selection of appropriate therapies.

High-resolution ultrasonography in assessing temporomandibular joint disc position.

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography (US) in temporomandibularjoint (TMJ) disc displacements. A number of 74 patients (148 TMJs) with signs andsymptoms of TMJ disorders, according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, were includedin this study. All patients received US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both TMJs 1 to 5 days after the clinicalexamination. MRI examinations were performed using 1.5 T MRI equipment (Siemens Avanto, Siemens, Erlangen). Ultrasonographicexamination was performed on a Hitachi EUB 8500 (Hitachi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan) scanner with L 54 M6.5-13 MHz linear transducer. MRI depicted 68 (45.95%) normal joints, 47 (31.76%) with disc displacement withreduction, 33 (22.3%) with disc displacement without reduction and 34 (22.97%) with degenerative changes. US detected 78(52.7%) normal joints, 37 (25%) with disc displacement with reduction, 33 (22.3%) with disc displacement without reductionand 21 (14.19%) with degenerative changes. Compared to MRI, US showed a sensitivity of 93.1%, specificity of 87.88%,accuracy of 90.32%, a positive predictive value of 87.1% and a negative predictive value of 93.55% for overall diagnosis ofdisc displacement. The Youden index was 0.81. Based on our results, high-resolution ultrasonography showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of TMJ disc displacement. It could be a valuable imaging techniquein assessing TMJ disc position. The diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography depends strictly on the examiner'sskills and on the equipment used.

Prevalence of tinnitus according to temporomandibular joint disorders and dental pain: The Korean National Population-based Study.

Some studies have reported that temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is related to tinnitus. However, there is no study of the relationship and prevalence of dental pain and tinnitus. We evaluated the associations between the prevalence of tinnitus and TMD and dental pain by analysing the Korean national health survey. We analysed totally 11745 participants. The presence of tinnitus, TMD symptoms and dental pain was surveyed by self-assessment questionnaires from all the participants. Multivariable regression analysis was applied to acquire odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of tinnitus was higher in the subjects with dental pain (21.1%), TMD (22.5%) and both symptoms (31.2%) than subjects without those symptoms (19.6%). After adjusting for all covariates, subjects with TMD had tinnitus 1.6 times more than subjects without TMD. In the subanalysis, age group more than 65years, women, and obese subjects had tinnitus more than men, age group <65, and non-obese subjects, respectively. TMD alone and both dental pain and TMD were associated with tinnitus (OR=1.389 and 95% CI 1.054-1.832 and 2.206 and 1.637-2.974, respectively). Subjects with TMD had more tinnitus than subjects without TMD. Moreover, subjects with dental pain in addition to TMD had increased prevalence of tinnitus than TMD alone.

Komparativna studija procene temporomandibularnog zgloba i struktura u vratu kod zdravih volontera i kod pacijenata koji boluju od idiopatske skolioze

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and neck structure changes in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) by clinical examination. Material and Methods: The study included 51 patients affected by IS (24 males, 27 females; mean age: 13.5 ± 2.1 years) selected using simple random sampling, and a healthy control group of 50 subjects (23 males, 27 females; mean age: 14.5 ± 2.3 years). The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: Clinical Protocol and Assessment Instruments (DC/TMD) form was utilized to assess the signs and symptoms of TMD in the subjects. For the evaluation of neck structures, masseter and temporalis muscles, pressure pain threshold (PPT) values were measured with a hand-held pressure algometer. Obtained data were analyzed statistically applying Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon, and chi-squared tests with a significance level of 0.05. Results: According to the DC/TMD form, the following parameters showed statistically significant differences between the groups (p 0.001): presence of TMD, temporal headache, midline deviation, and right and left lateral movements. The PPT values were higher in the control group compared with the study group (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the type of pain-related TMD identified in the subjects was myalgia. The myalgia was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) higher in the study group (68.6%) than in the control group (22%). Conclusion: This study concluded that spinal diseases which cause postural changes, like IS, in the head and shoulder region are associated with muscle adaptation and alterations in the temporomandibular joint area.

Correlation between mental health level, usual lifestyle , and self-report symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder

Correlation between mental health level, usual lifestyle , and self-report symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder

Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Involving Mandibular Premolar Extraction in Patient with Mandibular Retrusion Associated with Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis.

Here, we report retention following surgical orthodontic treatment in a patient with vertical maxillary excess associated with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and marked mandibular retrusion. The patient was a man aged 20 years 10 months who presented with the chief complaint of maxillary protrusion. The facial profile was of the convex type due to marked mandibular retrusion. In addition, the patient had a gummy smile. Intraoral findings revealed a Class II molar relation, +11 mm overjet, and 0 mm overbite. Mandibular dentition arch length discrepancy showed crowding of -2 mm, and the maxillary dentition showed a spaced arch of +5 mm. Panoramic radiographs confirmed flattening of the condylar head and proliferation of the bone margin. Cephalometric analysis of the skeletal pattern revealed that, horizontally, the maxilla was anterior and the mandible posterior; vertically, a dolichofacial pattern was noted. The anterior maxillary tooth axis was standard, but the anterior mandibular tooth axis showed labial inclination. Based on these findings, skeletal maxillary protrusion associated with TMJOA was diagnosed. Surgical orthodontic treatment comprised bilateral mandibular first premolar extraction with two-jaw surgery and genioplasty. Orthodontic treatment was performed with a multibracket system using a 0.22-slot pre-adjusted edgewise appliance. At 2 years and 11 months after initiation of treatment, the maxilla was transposed 6 mm upwards by orthognathic surgery and the mandible 17 mm anteriorly and 5 mm upwards by counterclockwise rotation. At 3 years and 10 months, the Pogonion was moved 6 mm anteriorly by genioplasty. At 4 years, orthodontic treatment was concluded on confirming satisfactory occlusion and improvement in facial features. At 2 years after completion of treatment, occlusion and the maxillofacial morphology remain stable, with almost no relapse. In addition, no temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms have occurred. Careful comprehensive follow-up observation will be continued.

Temporomandibular joint MR images: Incidental head and neck findings and pathologies

Objective: To report the number and frequency of incidental findings (IFs) detected during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging screening of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to define related diseases.Methods: Bilateral TMJ MR images in the sagittal and coronal sections, from 518 patients with TMJ symptoms were evaluated retrospectively. Patients who were diagnosed with IFs were sent for consultation and clarification of the findings. Patient age, gender, IFs, locations, and diseases were classified and noted. Results: Seventy-eight (15%) patients were diagnosed with 117 IFs. Of them, 43 were diagnosed with a single IF, and 35 were diagnosed with more than one IF. The most frequent locations were paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells. The most frequent diseases were inflammatory and cystic lesions. Discussion: While examining TMJ MR images, it is important to check for evidence of IFs or pathologies that may have mimicked signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders.

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and patients’ satisfaction before and after orthognathic surgery

Aim: To evaluate signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder and satisfaction in patients before and after orthognathic surgery. Methods: The sample consisted of 15 patients aged between 19 and 47 years old, indicated for orthodontic-surgical treatment. All patients answered na anamnesis questionnaire based on Helkimo Anamnestic Index to evaluate subjective symptoms and underwent a clinical evaluation based on Helkimo Disfunction Index, applied at three time points: before (T0), three (T1) and six months (T2) after surgery. Statistical models used were χ2 test (Chi-square), Tukey test, confidence interval and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of joint sounds, maximum mouth opening, deviation of mouth opening and pain in the TMJ region (p&gt;0.05). No patient presented worsening of the symptomatology. As regards muscular pain, there was a statistically significant improvement with time (p&lt;0.05) and 86.7% of patients reported that they were satisfied with the obtained results. Conclusions: Improvement of TMD after orthognathic surgery may not be the result of correcting malocclusion and satisfaction with the results can be a factor of TMD improvement.

Factors affecting subjective symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in adults

Factors affecting subjective symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in adults

BIFID MANDIBULAR CONDYLE

This article describes the clinical cases of doubling of the mandibular condylar process, which is detected by means of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The patients had no clinical symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders. This pathology of the temporomandibular joint is a rare form of embryopathy and develops as a consequence of a violation of the mandibular condylar cartilage morphogenesis. Its radiographic signs are similar to the deformation of the mandibular condyle, which is a result of the progression of inflammation and remodeling of joint surfaces. Methods of CBCT and MSCT possess sufficient resolution for the differential diagnosis of congenital and acquired pathology of the temporomandibular joint.

Specific Central Nervous System Medications Are Associated with Temporomandibular Joint Symptoms.

Aims There is evidence of association between bruxism and the increasingly common central nervous system stimulants prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) often prescribed for depression or anxiety. However, the evidence is not clear on whether these medications inducing bruxism are directly associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The aim of this work is to evaluate whether these medications are associated with TMD symptoms. Methods Medical history and participant data were obtained for 469 patients from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dental Registry and DNA Repository, dating back to 2006. The chi-square test was used to determine any statistically significant associations. Results There were no statistically significant associations between ADHD stimulant medications or SSRIs and reported TMD symptoms. However, there were significant differences seen between specific brands of medications and reported TMD symptoms. Individuals prescribed methylphenidate (Concerta) were less likely to report temporomandibular joint discomfort (p = 0.01). Conversely, individuals prescribed citalopram (Celexa) were more likely to report temporomandibular joint discomfort (p = 0.04). Conclusion Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction may be influenced by the use of certain medications prescribed for depression or attention deficit hyperactive disorder.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Clinicophysiologic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Temporomandibular Disorder Patients.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) are a complex group of disorders that comprise dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this study, we analyzed the objective and subjective findings of the TMJD patients by using Helkimo anamnesis (Ai) and clinical dysfunction (Di) indices, and tried to document a relation between these findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results.Ninety-eight patients who were admitted to our clinic were included in the study. The clinical evaluation was performed by using Ai, an 8-question-survey based on the objective symptoms of patients; Di, concluded as the score of 5 objective measurements of physical examination. The morphology of the TMJ was evaluated by MRI, and the findings were analyzed and statistically compared with respect to the Di.The most commonly seen symptoms were noise during mandibular movement (58%), pain around the joint (42.5%), and pain with mandibular movements (40%). Seventeen patients (17.3%) were Di0, 47 (48%) were DiI, 24 (24.5%) were DiII, and 10 (10.2%) were DiIII. Thirty-seven patients (37.8%) had abnormal MRI findings, whereas 61 patients (62.2%) had normal MRI. The most commonly encountered pathology was anterior disc displacement with reduction, which was reported in 15 patients. Increased TMJ Di, which points a more progressed TMJD, was found to be significantly related with the pathological MRI findings (P < 0.05).MRI is especially effective in particularly those with high Di; therefore, the results of the study may give a prospect in which types of patients does MRI give a valuable data toward diagnosis, in which stages of the TMJD should we expect pathological findings, and thereby preventing unnecessary use of MRI in patients with symptoms of TMJD.

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in elderly population treated within the public hospital network of Medellin (Colombia)

Objective: To determine prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders signs and symptoms of elderly adults in Medellin as well as related factors. Material and methods: The present was a crosssectional study conducted at the «Metrosalud» hospital network.The study was composed of 342 adult patients ≥ 65 years, (57.8% females) Variables: Socio-demographical and social support (Duke- 11); Self-perceived stress, mental health, self-perceived general health, satisfaction with respect to dental circumstances, self-perceived oralhealth, oral problems (previous 30 days), number of teeth present, presence of prostheses (upper/lower), Helkimo Anamnestic Index and clinical assessment. Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders- Helkimo Anamnestic Index was assessed with respect to health and socio-demographic variables, temporomandibular joint disorders was assessed according to clinical evaluation. Association between temporomandibular joint disorders-Helkimo Anamnestic Index and health indicators was evaluated as well as clinical temporomandibular joint disorders by means of logistic regression calculating crude and adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% (CI95%) confi dence intervals. Results: Prevalence of severe symptoms was higher in males (32%), females exhibited higher prevalence of mild symptoms (18.8%); differences were found according to socio-demographic factors. Subjects reporting symptoms tended to report higher prevalence of poor oral and general health indicators. Higher association was found for patients with dental problems in the previous 30 days. (aOR 3.57; CI95% 1.80-7.08) in the case of women and, for men, the indicator was poor mental health (aOR 2.83; CI95% 1.31-6.09) Even though females exhibited greater risk of reporting TMJ related problems (except for the presence of articular noises) no statistical signifi cant associations were found. Conclusions: Further epidemiological surveillance systems are required in order to suitably and clearly establish associations found in the present study.

Self-reported temporomandibular disorder symptoms and severity of malocclusion in prospective orthognathic-surgical patients

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the association between self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and the severity of malocclusion in prospective orthognathic-surgical patients.Material and methods: The subjects consisted of 50 consecutive patients (13 males and 37 females) referred to two university clinics for assessment of orthodontic-surgical treatment need. Data considering self-reported TMD symptoms were gathered using a semi-structured diary. At the first appointment, all patients rated the importance of treatment (on a scale of 1–10) and assessed self-perceived dental appearance using a VAS scale. The scale was anchored with photographs 1 and 10 from the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Study models were assessed by an experienced orthodontic specialist using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON). Association between the PAR and ICON scores and the number of reported symptoms was analyzed statistically.Results: Seventy-one percent of patients reported experiencing TMD symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms were pain in the head and/or neck region and fatigue in the TMJ region. The number of symptoms was highest in the morning. Ninety percent of males and 86% of females rated the importance of treatment as high; males experiencing TMD symptoms tended to rate surgery as more important compared with males with no symptoms (p = 0.056).Conclusions: In this sample, the results cannot unambiguously confirm an association between self-reported symptoms of TMD and objectively defined severity of malocclusion.

Signs and Symptoms in the Temporomandibular Joint of Geriatric Patients with Arthritis, Before and After Physiotherapy

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be affected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, especially in elderly and senile adult patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the signs and / or symptoms of TMJ in elderly subjects retired from a medical institution in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, previously diagnosed with arthritis, the onset of physical therapy and one month after applying it. July-August 2015. A longitudinal, comparative and analytical study was conducted in 25 subjects ages 60 and older, both sex: men and women. The subjects who agreed to participated signed voluntary consent letter. Also, a medical research card was made, which consisted of: 1) demographic and medical data; 2) a directed interview based on Rodriguez-Osores and modified by Mendiburu-Zavala in 2015 that included 33 dichotomous questions related to signs and / or symptoms of TMJ disorders; 3) the clinical examination was carried out carefully; 4) Finally, a manual prepared by Mendiburu-Zavala exercise based on Rocabado-Seaton and Lawson´s manual. The exercises for relaxation of the jaw and face, posture and managing TMJ noises were taught and explained individually, offering to teach them the times they needed to exercise at home. The questionnaire and clinical examination was applied a month later. The McNemar test was used. It was considered significant if P &lt;0.05. A 28 % of the studied subject were men and 72 % women, with an average age of 65.4 ± 4.8, with a 44 % with osteoarthritis and a 56 % with rheumatoid arthritis. The effect of physiotherapy per month being applied, had a significantly favorable responses of " NO" for variables : blocked, jammed or dislocated jaw (P = 0.0156); Crackles ( P = 0.0195 ) and Snap ( P = 0.0001 ). The application of physiotherapy in this age group with arthritis was favorable.

Signs and Symptoms in the Temporomandibular Joint of Geriatric Patients with Arthritis, Before and After Physiotherapy

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be affected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, especially in elderly and senile adult patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the signs and / or symptoms of TMJ in elderly subjects retired from a medical institution in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, previously diagnosed with arthritis, the onset of physical therapy and one month after applying it. July-August 2015. A longitudinal, comparative and analytical study was conducted in 25 subjects ages 60 and older, both sex: men and women. The subjects who agreed to participated signed voluntary consent letter. Also, a medical research card was made, which consisted of: 1) demographic and medical data; 2) a directed interview based on Rodriguez-Osores and modified by Mendiburu-Zavala in 2015 that included 33 dichotomous questions related to signs and / or symptoms of TMJ disorders; 3) the clinical examination was carried out carefully; 4) Finally, a manual prepared by Mendiburu-Zavala exercise based on Rocabado-Seaton and Lawson´s manual. The exercises for relaxation of the jaw and face, posture and managing TMJ noises were taught and explained individually, offering to teach them the times they needed to exercise at home. The questionnaire and clinical examination was applied a month later. The McNemar test was used. It was considered significant if P &lt;0.05. A 28 % of the studied subject were men and 72 % women, with an average age of 65.4 ± 4.8, with a 44 % with osteoarthritis and a 56 % with rheumatoid arthritis. The effect of physiotherapy per month being applied, had a significantly favorable responses of " NO" for variables : blocked, jammed or dislocated jaw (P = 0.0156); Crackles ( P = 0.0195 ) and Snap ( P = 0.0001 ). The application of physiotherapy in this age group with arthritis was favorable.

Self-reported temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms, oral health, and quality of life of children in kindergarten through grade 5: Do sex, race, and socioeconomic background matter?

BackgroundThe authors’ objectives were to determine the percentage of children in kindergarten through grade 5 who reported symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD); to assess whether sex, race, and socioeconomic background mattered; and to explore the relationships between TMJD and children’s oral health and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). MethodsThe research team conducted face-to-face interviews with 8,302 children in kindergarten through grade 5 (51% female, 49% male; 53% African American, 42% white). They conducted oral health screenings with 7,439 children. ResultsOverall, 23.6% of the children reported pain when chewing tough food, and 18.8% reported pain when opening their mouth wide; 23.2% reported hearing a sound (clicking) when opening their mouth wide. Female students were more likely than male students and African American children were more likely than white children to report TMJD symptoms. The prevalence of TMJD symptoms did not correlate with whether the children had a need for oral health care services or whether they had an abscess or carious teeth with pulpal involvement. TMJD symptoms were associated significantly with children’s OHRQoL. ConclusionsConsiderable percentages of 4- to 12-year-old children reported TMJD symptoms, with girls and African American children being more likely than their counterparts to be affected. Experiencing TMJD symptoms was associated significantly with poorer OHRQoL. Practical ImplicationsDental practitioners need to be aware that substantial percentages of kindergarten and elementary school–aged children experience TMJD symptoms. Taking a dental history and conducting an oral examination, therefore, should include assessments of the signs and symptoms of TMJD; treatment recommendations should be provided for affected children.

An institutional survey for knowledge-based and self-awareness assessment in temporomandibular joint disorders among dental students.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) have been recognized as one of the most common causes of nondental orofacial pain. Various studies have been reported in literature regarding the relationship between prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMDs and gender, suggestive of female predilection; however, none of the studies have yet been reported to suggest the relationship between knowledge about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms. To find a relationship between the level of knowledge about TMJ and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms. This study was designed as an institutional survey. The study sample comprised 491 undergraduate and postgraduate (PG) students, consisting of 90 males and 401 females with age ranging between 18 and 32 years. Two sets of questionnaire were distributed among the students. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of Epi Info (TM) 3.5.3, descriptive statistical analysis, test of proportion, Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and knowledge index. It was observed that there was a gradual increase in the level of knowledge about TMJ and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms from the 1st year to PG students. A direct relationship exists between the level of knowledge about TMJ and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms.