The Prevalence of TMD and of Bruxism Among Psychiatric Patients

Introduction: The reports in the scientific literature regarding the prevalence of TMD among psychiatric patients and a possible relation between bruxism and the use of psychotropic drugs are scarce. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of temporo- mandibular disorders (TMD), bruxism and oral habits among psychiatric patients as compared to healthy population. Methods: The study group included 77 psychiatric patients (47 males, 30 females), from the “Abarbanel” and “Geha” Mental Health Centers. The control group included 50 consecutive dental patients (38 females, 12 males) from the School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University. Results: Generally, the study group showed a higher prevalence of sign and symptoms of TMD, a higher level of dental attrition, higher TMJ and muscular tenderness to palpation, than the control group. Reported sleep bruxism and passive opening were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. No relation was found between signs and symptoms of TMD among the psychiatric patients and the psychotropic drugs used by them. Conclusions: Psychiatric patients exhibit a higher prevalence of sign and symptoms of TMD and higher levels of dental attrition than a healthy population.