TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS IN YOUNG SERBIAN POPULATION AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDY

Temporomandibular disorders are a common problem in everyday dental practice. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in the young Serbian population. The study comprised 500 participants between 18 and 25 years of age from various regions of Serbia. Among this sample, 325 persons were males, and 175 were females. All participants were subject to a clinical examination: assessment of mandibular mobility and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, and recording any tenderness or pain during mandibular movements or palpation. The presence of signs and symptoms of TMDs was confirmed using the Helkimo’s dysfunction index (Di). According to the values of the Helkimo’s Di, the presence of signs or symptoms of TMD was confirmed in 327 (64.5%) examined subjects. The most prevalent signs were: disturbed mandibular kinematics (restricted mandibular opening, deviation or deflection at mouth opening) found in 74.5 % of the examined subjects; TMJ sounds during mandibular opening/ closing were found in 38.5% of subjects; sensitivity of masticatory muscles was confirmed in 10.4 %. Pain as the most severe symptom of TMD was found in only 5.2 % of the examined subjects. The signs and symptoms of TMDs were more prevalent in females than in males, the ratio being 3:1. The recorded signs and symptoms of TMD in this population group were of a mild nature. The severe symptoms of TMD (pain) were found in only 5.2 % of the examined persons.