Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Their Relation to Mouth Opening and Hearing Loss
Author Information
Author(s): Kitsoulis Panagiotis, Marini Aikaterini, Iliou Kalliopi, Galani Vasiliki, Zimpis Aristides, Kanavaros Panagiotis, Paraskevas Georgios
Primary Institution: Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece
Hypothesis
The study examines the relationship between signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and mouth opening, gender, joint and aural symptoms, and hearing loss.
Conclusion
TMD signs and symptoms were more common and severe in females than males, and TMD severity is correlated with the degree of mouth opening and the number of aural symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- 73.3% of the study population had TMD symptoms.
- TMD severity was greater in females than males.
- Moderate and severe TMD were associated with hearing loss.
- Bruxism and joint pain were more common in TMD patients.
- Mean mouth opening was significantly different between TMD and non-TMD subjects.
Takeaway
This study found that many young people have jaw problems that can affect how wide they can open their mouths and can also lead to ear issues.
Methodology
The study involved 464 healthy Greek university students, measuring mouth opening and assessing TMD symptoms through questionnaires and audiometry.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reporting and lack of clinical examination.
Limitations
The absence of clinical diagnosis of TMD and reliance on self-reported questionnaires may limit the accuracy of TMD presence.
Participant Demographics
464 healthy Greek university students, aged 18-26 years, with 156 men and 308 women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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