SYMPTOMS OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR DISORDER AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE

This study investigated the subjective symptoms of craniomandibular di sorder and the restriction in maximal mandibular opening of 891 elderl y Singaporean citizens. A distribution of 22% of subjects (20% of the women and 26% of the men) reported subjective symptoms of craniomandib ular disorders. The most common single symptom reported was occasional to frequent clicking sounds from the temporomandibular joints (in 15% of subjects). The other single symptoms were reported only occasional ly in 2-6% of subjects. Nineteen per cent of the subjects had some res triction in maximal interincisal opening (30-39 mm) and about 1% of su bjects were severely restricted in maximal opening (less than 30 mm). Subjectively evaluated limitation of wide mandibular opening was recor ded for only 2% of the subjects. Background factors included general m usculo-skeletal problems (54%), perceived fair to poor general health (29%), headaches (33%), work-related stress (24%), oral parafunctional clenching (4%) and grinding activity (4%). This paper confirms earlie r reports that the subjective signs and symptoms of craniomandibular d isorder tend to diminish in elderly people.