TMD and Bruxism prevalence among patients attending the students’ dental clinics in TAU

Objective: This study aims to assess prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) ,find the prevalence of Probable SB, Awake Bruxism (AB), and parafunctions and to check the prevalence of erosion and abfraction and measure the range of movements among the patients attending the student dental clinics of Tel Aviv University(TAU).

Method: a retrospective study. Data was collected from files of 311 patients at the student clinics of the Dentistry School at TAU in 2018-2021.Symptom Questionnaire, dental and TMD clinical examination according to the DC/TMD Axis I protocol has done As part of the overall examination.

Results: 311 patients (171 males,140 females), mean age was 35.96±13.19 years. 61.5% were diagnosed with TMD, 42.2% with Pain-related TMD, and myalgia was the most common diagnosis (18.3%). TMDs was 28%, with DDwR being the most prevalent (15.1%). TMJ noises were the most commonly reported symptom (23.9%). 16.3% were diagnosed with probable SB, 7.9% probable SB, and 17.4% with both. Females were found to have a higher prevalence of Bruxism, TMD symptoms, and diagnoses. Abfraction and erosions were found in 2.4% and 5.9% of the subjects, respectively. The average maximum unassisted mouth opening is 50.6 mm with a median of 50±6.9 mm, End Feel Distance was more extensive among the Pain-related group .Average  lateral movement was 9.23 mm with a median of 9±3.06 mm.

Conclusion: TMD and bruxism are common among patients attending the dental clinics of TAU. Gender (female) increased the risk of developing some TMD symptoms and diagnoses. The current study is unique and the first of its kind in Israel. (both the participant’s characteristics and diagnosis methodology). Therefore, this study serves as a comparative basis for future research.