Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in seniors—Symptom-related analyses in younger and older seniors

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common in the general population even in old age. Information on the prevalence of TMD in older people is sparse. Objective: To present prevalence values for symptoms and signs of TMD in old people according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD). To compare prevalence values between the age groups of 60–74 years (younger seniors) and ≥ 75 years (older seniors). Material and methods: Subjects of the interdisciplinary longitudinal study of adult development (ILSE), a representative sample of old people in Germany, were examined between 2014–2016. Subjects of the urban area of Leipzig were chosen to examine symptoms and signs of TMD. Results: The most prevalent symptom was orofacial pain (13.0%) in the aged participants (n = 192). Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds were the most prevalent sign with values up to 35.5%. Gender comparisons revealed higher prevalence values for the symptom headache/migraine as well as for the signs TMJ sounds (especially clicking sounds) and limited mouth opening in females. Regarding age groups, significant differences were only observed for self-reported headache/migraine. Conclusion: Orofacial pain was reported by 13.0% of the subjects and TMJ sounds were observed in every third participant. Similar prevalence values for TMD symptoms and signs in younger and older seniors were found.