Risk Factors for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder in Dental Students

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is one the most common maxillofacial disorders and its prevalence has been reported variously in different populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms of TMD in dental students of Post Basic Science course, Faculty of Dentistry, Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried on 120 dental students (from 140 students) who participated and answered the questions of this study in 2016. Demographic data of dental students were collected and all subjects were clinically examined. The diagnosis of TMD was confirmed on the basis of its signs and symptoms, including click, pain, or tenderness of masticatory muscle, jaw deviation during mouth opening and limited mouth opening. The prevalence of TMD in subjects was assessed with respect to age, gender, marital status, parafunctional habits, history of trauma, and nutritional status. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 21 (P<0.05). Results: The sample consisted of 120 subjects, 55 (45.8%) women and 65 (54.2%) men. The prevalence of TMD was found as 28%, which had a relationship with parafunctional habits, muscle tenderness, tooth wear, jaw dislocation, trauma, temporomandibular joint pain, and in some symptoms with age. While it was not associated with factors such as gender, marital status, nutrition type, click, deviation, headache, migraine, earache, posterior tooth loss, and contact in balancing side. Conclusion: TMD is a relatively common condition among dental students. By providing the necessary training for students, especially for those who are at risk (patients with parafunctional habits, tooth wear, jaw dislocation, trauma), we can prevent TMD.