Intra-oral findings, prevalence of bruxism and temporomandibular disorders among orphans in south east Uganda

Objectives: To evaluate the oral hygiene level and determine the prevalence of carious lesions, bruxism and other temporomandibular disorders among children residing in Bussi Island Children’s Home, Lake Victoria, Uganda.
Methods: 153 children, 6-17 years old (63 boys and 90 girls) participated in this study. The study included a questionnaire and a clinical temporomandibular and dental examination.
Results: Parafunctional habits were reported by 93% of the children and were found to be significantly more prevalent among girls (P=0.033). Exposures to stressful life events that had occurred during the past year were reported by 33.33% and recent feelings of sadness were reported by 26%. No significant statistical relation was found between exposure to stressful life events or sadness and parafunctional habits.
A moderate prevalence of signs (34%) of TMD was found. Recent exposures to stressful life events were found to be significantly related to signs of muscle tenderness upon palpation (P=0.037). Sleep Bruxism was found to be significantly related to reported clenching (P<0.001) and limitedly related to signs of muscle tenderness upon palpation. Carious lesions were found to be significantly related to erosion (P=0.01). Presences of calculus on mandibular incisors, as well as crowding of teeth were significantly more prevalent in boys (P=0.014).
Conclusions: Temporomandibular disorders can already be seen during childhood in a low to moderate prevalence, and parafunctional habits are very common. Stress might play a key factor in accumulative muscle tenderness.
However, due to language difficulties and culture differences, further research is needed to verify the results and DMFT should be checked again so to make sure oral hygiene is properly maintained after undergoing a thorough guidance on proper brushing.