Prevalence among adolescents in Bergen, Western Norway, of temporomandibular disorders according to the DC/TMD criteria and examination protocol

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) amongst adolescents and to contrast the prevalence of TMD according to the DC/TMD clinical examination protocol versus the prevalence of TMD pain according to two screening questions. <br>Material and methods: Two hundred and ten adolescents living in the county of Bergen, Norway, were offered an additional examination for TMD in connection with their regular dental check-up appointment. Five dental clinics were selected with differing socio-economic patient populations, as reflected by stratification of average levels of DMFT, and an equal number of girls and boys were invited to participate. The participants answered two screening questions for TMD pain followed by a clinical examination according to the DC/TMD protocol by five calibrated examiners. <br>Results: Acceptable calibration results were obtained. Approximately 80% of eligible participants consented to partake. According to the criteria of DC/TMD, the prevalence of TMD amongst the study participants was 11.9%, with a peak at 16 years of age. According to the self-reported screening questions for TMD pain, 7.2 % responded positively. Only 7 participants with a TMD diagnosis established according to the DC/TMD clinical examination protocol reported also TMD pain based on answering the two screening questions. <br>Conclusion: The prevalence of TMD is higher for girls than for boys and the prevalence of TMD established according to the DC/TMD criteria was higher than the prevalence of TMD pain estimated by use of screening questions for self-reported pain.