Assessment of Symptoms Associated with Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Bruxism among Elderly Population: An Epidemiological Survey.

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism among elderly population in Ranchi, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done on 600 elderly subjects; data regarding the signs and symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorder and bruxism were recorded using both structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Spearman correlation analysis was done to find the association between TMD and bruxism.

RESULTS

Out of 600 subjects, 49% were males and 51% were females. The overall prevalence of TMD-related symptoms like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, difficulty in jaw opening, TMJ sounds, and bruxism were 10.5, 11.2, 14, and 17% among elderly subjects. TMD symptoms and bruxism were relatively more commonly seen among females when compared to males. According to logistic regression (significantly correlated independent variables, i.e., TMD symptoms among analyzed variables), the dependent variable like bruxism had highest odds ratio, i.e., 8 for 60-70 years age-group and 15.1 for 70-80 year age-group.

CONCLUSION

There was a lesser prevalence of symptoms related to TMD and bruxism among the study population, and bruxism had the highest odds ratio in TMD between the analyzed variables.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Human aging contributes too many oral problems, while resolving these, the felt needs of the population are sometimes ignored which adds up to the growing list of issues. Studies have shown inconclusive evidence regarding the prevalence of symptoms related to TMD and bruxism as these are known to trouble elderly populations.