Epidemiology of signs and symptoms in temporomandibular disorders: clinical signs in cases and controls

Article Abstract:

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint between the jaw bone and the skull, are the most common pain conditions of the face. TMJ disorders are characterized by pain, dysfunction of the jaw with limitation of motion, and clicking noises during movement. No epidemiologic studies concerning the signs and symptoms of this disorder have been reported. To define the epidemiology of TMJ disorders, identical methods were used to assess three groups: clinic patients who were seeking treatment for temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a randomly selected group from the community who reported TMD, and a control group who were without TMJ pain. The results revealed that women had a significantly smaller vertical range of TMJ motion than men. Clinic patients who sought treatment had less vertical motion than community members describing TMD; the community group had more restricted TMJ movement than the control group. The clinic patients experienced more pain during TMJ motion and muscle palpation than the other two groups. Joint sounds, detected by palpating the area and with a stethoscope, were described as clicking or popping; crepitus, a longer, rubbing or crunching sound; and grating. For all cases of TMD the clicking and popping sounds were most prevalent. Clinic patients exhibited more clicking than the other two groups. The major difference between patients and the control group was the symptom of pain. The incidence of clinically relevant findings, based on examination, were no different among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals of all ages. TMJ pain was less prevalent in older people. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Treatment of temporomandibular disorders in children: summary statements and recommendations

Article Abstract:

The September 1989 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry conference stated that the 1983 American Dental Association guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) do not adequately address the needs of children. Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint between the jaw bone and the skull, are characterized by pain and dysfunction of jaw movement. TMD is considered to be a cluster of conditions with similar symptoms. The cause of TMD in children, as in adults, is multifactorial. Currently, there is no indication that malocclusion (imperfect contact of the upper and lower teeth) by itself predisposes a child to TMD. Orthodontic treatment does not usually cause TMD to develop. The use of orthodontic treatment as the second phase of therapy for TMD is not supported by the literature. The best diagnostic procedure for TMD is a combination of history, clinical examination and X-ray. Imaging is indicated if both the history and examination point to a recent or progressive TMJ disorder. When bone or hard tissue imaging is warranted, computed tomography may be useful. There has been little research on treatment of TMD in children. It appears that simple, conservative treatment is effective. Occlusal appliances may help alleviate symptoms, but they do not produce long-term changes in jaw position. Physical therapy and behavioral therapy may be helpful. There is no evidence that early treatment of mild symptoms can prevent TMD. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Research, Children, Child health, Dental research

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The efficacy of traditional, low-cost and nonsplint therapies for temporomandibular disorder

Article Abstract:

A randomized controlled trail method is used to find out competence of traditional, nonsplint and low-cost therapies to treat temporomandibular disorders. Outcomes of this suggest implementation of low-cast nonsplint self-care therapy for patients.

United States, Care and treatment

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