Symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in elderly Brazilian wearers of complete dentures.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Investigate the incidence of symptoms of craniomandibular disorder in elderly Brazilian wearers of full dentures.

DESIGN:

In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire based on Helkimo's anamnestic index was applied to a group of 65-year-olds or older individuals who wear a set of full dentures.

SETTING:

Interviews were carried out at the dental clinics of the University of Taubaté and the University of Vale do Paraíba, Brazil.

SUBJECTS:

From a total of 384 patients, 84 elderly wearers of full dentures were interviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The questionnaire identified the most commonly related symptoms of craniomandibular disorders.

RESULTS:

The patient's average age was 73.5 years (ranging from 65 to 89 years), 81% of them females. Only 5% reported pain when opening their mouths, and the same percentage complained of temporomandibular joint luxation and a sensation of tired muscles during mastication. Similar rates were found for pain in the temporomandibular joint area (6%), pain in the temporal muscle area (7%), difficulty to move the mandible in the morning (4%) and pain during excursive (protrusive and lateral) movements (8%). The highest rates were found for pain in the masseter muscle area (39%) and articular noises (24%).

CONCLUSION:

The incidence of craniomandibular disorder symptoms was low in this group of elderly wearers of full dentures, except for pain in the masseter (39%) and articular noises (24%).

• Authors: Jarbas F F Santos, Leonardo Marchini, Marcia S Campos, Carlos F Damião, Vicente P P Cunha, Célia M R Barbosa
• Journal: Gerodontology (Gerodontology) Vol. 21 Issue 1 Pg. 51-2 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 0734-0664 [Print] England
• PMID: 15074540 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Brazil
• Craniomandibular Disorders (classification)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Denture, Complete
• Facial Pain (classification)
• Female
• Humans
• Joint Dislocations (classification)
• Male
• Mandible (physiopathology)
• Masseter Muscle (physiopathology)
• Mastication (physiology)
• Movement
• Range of Motion, Articular (physiology)
• Sound
• Temporal Muscle (physiopathology)
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (classification)