Prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and Stress Related Dental Attritions Among Army Personnel

Dental attrition is capable of causing toothache, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and vertical facial dimension loss. It may also harden prosthesis fabrication. The most frequent causes of this problem are stress and mental tensions. However, there is no documented or published data on the prevalence of dental attrition and TMDs among army personnel. Nevertheless, by timely recognition of the susceptible cases, it is possible to prevent or stop the development of this condition. The participants were patients seeking general dentistry treatments in two military based centers in Tehran. Sample consisted of 200 army personnel and 200 civilian patients. All the participants were divided into three age groups: under 30, between 30 and 50, and above 50 years old. The examinations included dental attrition, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) click on opening or closing, limitation on mouth opening, pain on TMJ or chewing muscle or tenderness in palpation. The participants were also asked to declare whether they have contributed in the imposed war. Dental attrition was significantly more frequent in army personnel than civilian population. Also the prevalence of such a problem was significantly more frequent in those participated at war. Considering other examinations, no statistically significant differences were seen between army personnel and lay persons. In order to prevent or treat dental attrition in susceptible army personnel, part-time wear of night guard may be prescribed.

Dental attrition is capable of causing toothache, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and vertical facial dimension loss. It may also harden prosthesis fabrication. The most frequent causes of this problem are stress and mental tensions. However, there is no documented or published data on the prevalence of dental attrition and TMDs among army personnel. Nevertheless, by timely recognition of the susceptible cases, it is possible to prevent or stop the development of this condition. The participants were patients seeking general dentistry treatments in two military based centers in Tehran. Sample consisted of 200 army personnel and 200 civilian patients. All the participants were divided into three age groups: under 30, between 30 and 50, and above 50 years old. The examinations included dental attrition, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) click on opening or closing, limitation on mouth opening, pain on TMJ or chewing muscle or tenderness in palpation. The participants were also asked to declare whether they have contributed in the imposed war. Dental attrition was significantly more frequent in army personnel than civilian population. Also the prevalence of such a problem was significantly more frequent in those participated at war. Considering other examinations, no statistically significant differences were seen between army personnel and lay persons. In order to prevent or treat dental attrition in susceptible army personnel, part-time wear of night guard may be prescribed.