Prevalence of Temporomandibular Symptoms in a Large United States Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The prevalence of five symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and associated symptoms of pain, headache, and stress was estimated in a random telephone survey of a large United States metropolitan area. The prevalences for nocturnal bruxing, joint noise with use, soreness on waking, soreness with use, and diurnal clenching were roughly equivalent (ranging from 8% to 12%) and were within the range of prevalences reported in previous studies. Overall, 149 of the 500 respondents reported one or more of the five symptoms. Symptoms were not more prevalent among women than men, but were more prevalent among younger respondents. Soreness on waking and daytime clenching were the only symptoms significantly associated with report of pain. Pain was more commonly reported by respondents with multiple (four or five) symptoms. The results are compared with those of previous random surveys, and limitations to generalization of the present findings are discussed.

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Notes on contributors

Paul N. Duckro

Dr. Paul N. Duckro received his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University in 1977. Since 1982 he has been a member of the faculty of the Division of Behavioral Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at St. Louis University. He is currently an associate professor and director of the Biobehavioral Treatment Center at Saint Louis University Medical Center. His clinical and research work encompasses chronic psychophysiological disorders and psychosocial factors in illness.

Raymond C. Tait

Dr. Raymond C. Tait received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1981. He has been with the Division of Behavioral Medicine at St. Louis University since 1982. He directs the Pain Management Program and is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. His research interests are in the field of chronic pain, with particular interest in assessment, especially the assessment of disability.

Ronald B. Margolis

Ronald B. Margolis, Ph.D.

Dr. Margolis received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Bowling Green State University. He is the founder and director of the Division of Behavioral Medicine and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at St. Louis University Medical Center. His research interests include chronic pain, aging and neuropsychology, and status of behavioral medicine.

Teresa L. Deshields

Teresa L. Deshields, Ph.D.

Dr. Deshields received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia in 1985. She has been with the Division of Behavioral Medicine since 1985. She currently is assistant director of the Biobehavioral Treatment Center and an instructor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. Her research interests are psychophysiological disorders and psychological factors in chronic illness.