Background and aims: Temperomandibular Disorders are (TMDs) the most common condition which has a great effect on temperomandibular joint and associated structures. Several studies have shown that the number of patients with TMD has increased recently. The aim of this study is the epidemiologic evaluation of temporomandibular disorders and related factors in a group of Iranian adolescents.
Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 800, 14-18 year old high school students in Mashhad, Iran (400 girls and 400 boys). The method applied in this study was cluster sampling and evaluation was done through interviews and physical examination. Data was analyzed with Chi-Square Test, Fisher Exact Test. The logistic regression models were applied to estimating the odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and significance level.
Results: The prevalence of TMD was 34.7% in the study group. The most common TMD signs were clicking, muscle tenderness and temporomandibular joint tenderness. The most prevalent predisposing factors of TMD were clenching, premature contact in protrusive movement and bruxism.
Conclusions: TMD signs and symptoms were prevalent in Iranian adolescents albeit, the results revealed a clear female predominance in these ages.