[Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, disability and oral health in a community-dwelling elderly population]

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is involved in important activities of the stomatognathic system for nutrition, such as chewing or swallowing. If the physiological tolerance of its components is exceeded, it can trigger symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).

To assess and relate the symptoms of TMD, functional limitations and estimates of self-perceived oral health and general geriatric population in a communitydwelling elderly population.

An observational study was performed. Ninetyfour persons belonging to units of Granada Geriatric Day were assessed symptoms of TMD (Helkimo Simplified Index), pain (VAS scale), functional limitation of stomatognathic system (research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders CDI/TTM), jaw opening index, general health index (1-5) and oral health (geriatric oral health assessment).

In the total sample, 42.7% had at least one symptom of TMD. The most common symptoms were muscular fatigue (26.6%), noise (21.3%) and TMD pain (14.9%). The most common non-specific symptoms in the symptomatic group were neck pain and nervousness. A 48.9% of the sample had functional limitation in orofacial activities. Also, there was a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between the jaw opening index and symptomatic and asymptomatic groups with TMD.

In the group with symptoms of TMD were more common temporomandibular joint departures and pain, and they presented lower values in oral and general health self-perception.