Subjective symptoms from the stomatognathic system in ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Wenneberg, B. Kopp, S. Subjective symptoms from the stomatognathic system in ancylosing spondylitis. Acta Odontol. Scand. 1982, 40, 215–222

One hundred individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 57 individuals in a comparison group responded to a questionnaire concerning subjective symptoms from the stomatognathic system and general joint symptoms. It was concluded that the individuals with AS have more subjective symptoms from the stomatognathic system, especially difficulties in wide mouth opening, than the comparison group. Specific temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in AS was difficult to determine but pain in the TMJ region, stiffness/tiredness in the jaws and difficulty in opening the mouth wide were important symptoms in individuals with AS. TMJ involvement was also correlated to the severity and extension of the AS. In the comparison group awareness of parafunctions such as tooth-clenching and tooth-grinding were important subjective factors correlated to their symptoms from the stomatognathic system.

Key Words:

• Inflammation
• spondylitis ankylosing
• temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction