Etiological factors of temporomandibular joint disorders

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint disorders are defined as a collective term embracing
a number of clinical problems that involve the masticatory muscles, the TMJ and
associated structures. Myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is the most common
.functional disorder of TMJ
Many etiological factors have been blamed to produce pain and dysfunction of
.TMJ such as stress, malocclusion and parafunctional habits
Stress is thought to be responsible for hyperactivity of the muscles of mastication
.which leads to muscle fatigue then muscle spasm and pain
The purpose of this study was to determine the role of stress as an ctiological
.)factor in (MPDS
One hundred dental students were used in this study and evaluated for having
MPDS. Another sample of one hundred persons from the general population were
.evaluated in the same manner to be used as control
The results of this study indicated that (55%) of participating students have
MPDS) because of the great amotmts of stress they are going through. While in control group there was only (7%).