Prevalence of mandibular dysfunction in young adults

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mandibular dysfunction, encompassing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affects a significant portion of the population.
• Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of these dysfunctions is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Previous research indicates a complex interplay of symptoms and signs, with varying prevalence across demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of symptoms and signs associated with mandibular dysfunction in a student population.
• To identify specific symptoms and signs that are most frequently reported or observed.
• To explore potential differences in prevalence between genders and associations with bruxism.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 739 students who underwent questionnaires and clinical examinations.
• Data collection focused on self-reported symptoms (headache, TMJ sounds, facial/neck pain) and clinical signs (muscle tenderness, joint sounds, mouth opening limitations).
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare prevalence between genders and identify correlations with bruxism awareness.

Main Results:

• Headache, TMJ sounds, and facial/neck pain were the most common symptoms.
• Dull occlusal sounds, jaw/head muscle tenderness, and condylar movement sounds were the most frequent signs, with higher prevalence in women.
• Bruxism awareness was linked to masseter muscle tenderness and limited mouth opening. Subclinical signs were more common than reported symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular dysfunction presents with a range of symptoms and signs in students, with headaches and TMJ sounds being prominent.
• Women exhibit a higher prevalence of specific clinical signs of dysfunction.
• The high occurrence of subclinical signs suggests a need for increased awareness and early detection strategies for mandibular dysfunction.