Evaluation of Korean teenagers with temporomandibular joint disorders

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the severity and pattern of symptoms exhibited by teenage Korean temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among patients with an association of TMDs, teenage patients (11-19 years) who answered the questionnaire on the research diagnostic criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) were recruited. RESULTS: The ratio of patients who visited our clinic with a chief complaint of clicking sound (34.5%) or temporomandibular pain (36.6%) at the initial diagnosis (examination) was the highest. In the evaluation of the depression index, 75.8% of the subjects were normal, 12.9% were moderate, and 11.3% were severe. With regard to non-specific physical symptoms (including pain), 66.5% of the subjects were normal, 17.0% were moderate, and 16.5% were severe. Concerning non-specific physical symptoms (excluding pain), 70.6% of the subjects were normal, 14.4% were moderate, and 15.0% were severe. In terms of the graded chronic pain score, high disability (grade III, IV) was found in 9.3% of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Among teenage TMD patients, a portion have clinical symptoms and experience severe psychological pressure; hence requiring attention and treatment, as well as understanding the psychological pressure and appropriate treatments for dysfunction.