Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in a Saudi Arabian population

The signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction present in 219 Saudi Arabians attending a dental clinic for routine dental treatment are described. Joint sounds (36%) and muscle tenderness to palpation (34%) were common findings. Of the subjects examined, 31% reported suffering from frequent headaches. The study demonstrated a high incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Findings were similar to those of a previous study of an investigation in a bedouin community in Western Egypt (Abdel-Hakim, 1983).