Prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in a young male Saudi population

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a selected young male Saudi population. The material comprised 105 dental students having a mean age of 23 years within the range of 20-29 years. A functional evaluation of the stomatognathic system was performed using the Helkimo anamnestic and clinical dysfunction index. Almost two-thirds of the individuals had no signs and symptoms of TMD. Thirty per cent of the individuals reported mild dysfunction (Ai I) and 6% had severe symptoms (Ai II). Thirty-three per cent showed mild clinical signs of dysfunction (Di I) and 3% had signs of moderate dysfunction (Di II). Only 1% exhibited severe clinical signs (Di III). While the individuals represented a non-Western population, the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders compared favourably to that found in Western countries, at least as regards to reported symptoms.