Profile of TMD and Bruxer compared to TMD and nonbruxer patients regardingchief complaint, previous consultations, modes of therapy, and chronicity

This comparative study by groups assesses the profiles of TMD (temporomandi bular dysfunction) and bruxism patients and TMD-nonbruxing patients regardi ng chief complaint, previous medical and dental consultations, duration of the chief complaint, previous medication, and use of splints. The sample co nsisted of a group of 340 TMD patients, 275 of whom were bruxers and 65 who were non-bruxers. Both patients and controls were consecutive referrals ov er a period of five years. The group of TMD and Bruxer was classified accor ding to the degree of severity. One hundred eight (108), 84, and 83 patient s demonstrated mild, moderate, and severe bruxism respectively. Information gathered included a set of questionnaires, history of signs and symptoms, and a clinical examination. The most common chief complaints in TMD bruxers and nonbruxers were facial, temporomandibular joint, headache and / or cer vical pain, and joint noises. It was observed that the need for medical and dental consultations increased with the severity of bruxism. It was also a pparent in this study that the need for medication (analgesics, muscle rela xants, and antidepressants), increased with the severity of bruxism. Modera te and severe subgroups of bruxers used significantly more splints compared to mild bruxers and to TMD-nonbruxer patients. Both groups of TMD + bruxis m and TMD-nonbruxism sought medical and dental consultations with dentists (clinicians and specialists) neurologists, and otolaryngologists more frequ ently compared to other medical professionals. Since the need for health se rvices increased with the severity of bruxism, this study urges the need to include a protocol or questionnaire to assess the severity of bruxing beha vior in TMD patients in order to use a customized method of treatment/manag ement. This study also reinforces the point of view that different subgroup s of TMD and bruxism do exist and suggests a differentiated therapeutic app roach. They show previously confirmed findings that pain is the major compl aint of TMD and bruxer patients.