The etiology of temporomandibular joint problem in Iraqi patients

الملخص EN

In the last decade, dramatic advances have been made in understanding the causes of facial pain related to temporomandibular disorders.

The aim of this study was to identify the most possible causes that provoke temporomandibular disorders in Iraqi patients.

Materials and Method: This study was conducted with 289 patients (110 males & 188 females), the mean age was 35.5 years range from (1-70) years, were seeking treatment for their Temporomandibular joint problems.

Results: Stress was the most frequent etiological factor (43.3%) followed in descending manner by occlusal disharmony (30.5%), altered chewing pattern (16.5%), dental irritation (5.7%), dislocation (2%) degenerative arthritis (1%), trauma (0.7%) and rheumatoid arthritis (0.3%).Females were more frequently affected, with the total male to female ratio equal to 3:5 and predominant age for both sexes was (21-30) years.

Conclusion: all the above contributory factors resulted in muscular dysfunction which in turn forms the primary factor responsible for signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint problem