IADR Abstract Archives
The Relationship Between Oral Parafunctions, Emotional Stress and Temporo-Mandibular Disorders Among Young Adult: Gender Comparison
Objectives: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is a collective term including a number of clinical conditions involving the TMJ, masticatory muscles and related structures. Many hypothesis were suggested as etiology of TMD, but none were proven to be definite.
Parafunctional habits do not result in TMD symptoms. However, they are considered risk factors that can interfere with healing or enhance progression. Psychosocial factors play an important role in etiology of TMD, and apparently have greater significance than dental factors.
To examine the relationship between oral parafunctions, emotional stress and TMD among undergraduate dental students taking gender differences into consideration.
Methods: Questionnaires regarding signs and symptoms of TMD, the AXIS II component of the RDC/TMD (measuring depression, anxiety and somatization), and the Perceived Stress Scale (measuring emotional stress), were completed by 388 dental students in the 1st to 6th years.
Results: 37.3% of the students reported at least one TMD symptom. A significant increase in the stress scales, depression, anxiety and the amount of parafunctional activity was found in the 4th and 5th years of studies, compared to students studying in the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 6th years. A positive relationship was found between increased depression and anxiety and a higher prevalence of clenching (p=0.009), and myofascial pain (p=0.007) especially among females .
Conclusions: The practical training in the 4th and 5th years of the dental studies is accompanied by higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression demonstrating a strong relationship between TMD signs and symptoms and parafunctional activities.
Parafunctional habits do not result in TMD symptoms. However, they are considered risk factors that can interfere with healing or enhance progression. Psychosocial factors play an important role in etiology of TMD, and apparently have greater significance than dental factors.
To examine the relationship between oral parafunctions, emotional stress and TMD among undergraduate dental students taking gender differences into consideration.
Methods: Questionnaires regarding signs and symptoms of TMD, the AXIS II component of the RDC/TMD (measuring depression, anxiety and somatization), and the Perceived Stress Scale (measuring emotional stress), were completed by 388 dental students in the 1st to 6th years.
Results: 37.3% of the students reported at least one TMD symptom. A significant increase in the stress scales, depression, anxiety and the amount of parafunctional activity was found in the 4th and 5th years of studies, compared to students studying in the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 6th years. A positive relationship was found between increased depression and anxiety and a higher prevalence of clenching (p=0.009), and myofascial pain (p=0.007) especially among females .
Conclusions: The practical training in the 4th and 5th years of the dental studies is accompanied by higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression demonstrating a strong relationship between TMD signs and symptoms and parafunctional activities.