Clinical findings in temporomandibular disorders

71 patients (16 males and 55 females) with temporomandibular (TM) disorders were examined for clinical symptoms of mandibular dysfunction. The frequency of TM disorders in the present study was higher in females (55 females, 77.5%) than in males (16 males, 22.5%); the ratio of females to males was about 3.4:1. The most frequent chief complaint was pain; limitation of opening movement was the next most common. Many patients had several of the major symptoms simultaneously. TM joint sounds were noted in 47 patients, including reciprocal clicking in 35 patients and crepitation in 12 patients. Tenderness with palpation of the TM joint and muscles were found in 46 patients; most of them complaining at two positions or more. Occlusal interferences were noted in various occlusal positions, and occlusal wear was found in 30 patients (42.3%). In recording the frequency of parafunction and bad habits, grinding of the teeth was found in 6 patients (8.5%), clenching of the teeth in 10 (14.1%), and unilateral mastication in 24 (33.8%).