THE PREVALENCE OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION IN RELATION TO GENDER AND OCCUPATION

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders are a term that includes a number of conditions and functioning on the anatomical characteristics of the temporomandibular joint. Temporomandibular dysfunction becomes a social problem associated with high economic costs arising from treatment and absence from work, and occurs with generalized hypermobility of the joints and myofascial pain in the masticatory and neck muscles, articular disc dysfunctions such as clicking in the temporomandibular joints and disturbances in the coordination of mandibular movements. The aim of the work was to determine the type and frequency of temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms. Based on occupation, it was determined that the largest number of respondents who work in offices is 29%, and after that, 19.4% of the total sample was already retired. In the external distribution of respondents, it was found that only 3 male persons from the total sample participated in the research. Observed from the aspect of frequency, constant pain that lasts every day was experienced by 7 (22.6%) subjects. Subjective hearing loss was not reported as a symptom of dysfunction in the subjects, while pain in the tongue was reported by only one subject. The research was conducted in a private practice in Munich, Germany. All subjects who met the criteria for inclusion in the study filled out a standardized questionnaire for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) Questionnaire). Data on the type and location of pain, duration of pain and other symptoms related to the temporomandibular joint were obtained from the questionnaire. Also, the anamnestic data was examined for the respondents who came to the physiotherapy practice with the mentioned symptoms, and the orthopedic and dental findings were analyzed. Based on occupation, it was determined that the largest number of respondents who work in offices is 29%, and after that 19.4% of the total sample was already retired. In the gender distribution of respondents, it was found that only 3 male persons from the total sample participated in the research. Observed from the aspect of frequency, constant pain that lasts every day was experienced by 7 (22.6%) subjects. Subjective hearing loss was not reported as a symptom of dysfunction in the subjects, while pain in the tongue was reported by only one subject. Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint occurs more often in women, people aged 43 to 53, and in respondents who worked in offices, that is, as clerks. Based on the frequency of pain, it can be concluded that the pain experienced by the respondents indicates an alarming situation and the need for a quality strategy for planning effective physiotherapy.