Effect of Oral Parafunction on the Occurrence of Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Dysfunction in a Rijeka Population

摘要

The aim of this investigation was to obtain data on the incidence of clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction in the Rijeka population and to ascertain possible mutual correlation between particular signs and symptoms. The investigation included 408 subjects, 164 men and 242 women aged 18-85 years. After completing a questionnaire a clinical examination was performed of all subjects. The following frequency of particular signs and symptoms were determined: ? Bruxism during the night in 17% women and 14% men. ? Bruxism during the day in 34% women and 30% men. ? Sounds in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during movement in 26% women and 25% men. ? Headaches more often than once in a month in 34% women and 19% men. Of the patients with bruxism 37% experience headaches more frequently than once in a month, 35% pain in neck muscles and 33% sounds in the TMJ during mandibular movement. Of the patients without bruxism 41% experience headaches, 28% pain in neck muscles and 24% sounds in the TMJ. For statistical analysis χ2 test and odds ratio (OR) were used. Data were analysed by computer programmes Med Calc and Statistics for Windows. Statistically significant difference was found for the frequency of certain signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in the group of women. No statistically significant difference was found between oral parafunction and signs and symptoms of TMD. It can be concluded that day and night bruxism caused increased pain in the neck muscles and that the increased occurrence of sounds in the TMJ during mandibular movement was more frequent in women, although this was not statistically significant.