Symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in elderly Brazilian wearers of complete dentures.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the incidence of symptoms of craniomandibular disorder in elderly Brazilian wearers of full dentures. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire based on Helkimo's anamnestic index was applied to a group of 65-year-olds or older individuals who wear a set of full dentures. SETTING: Interviews were carried out at the dental clinics of the University of Taubaté and the University of Vale do Paraíba, Brazil. SUBJECTS: From a total of 384 patients, 84 elderly wearers of full dentures were interviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire identified the most commonly related symptoms of craniomandibular disorders. RESULTS: The patient's average age was 73.5 years (ranging from 65 to 89 years), 81% of them females. Only 5% reported pain when opening their mouths, and the same percentage complained of temporomandibular joint luxation and a sensation of tired muscles during mastication. Similar rates were found for pain in the temporomandibular joint area (6%), pain in the temporal muscle area (7%), difficulty to move the mandible in the morning (4%) and pain during excursive (protrusive and lateral) movements (8%). The highest rates were found for pain in the masseter muscle area (39%) and articular noises (24%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of craniomandibular disorder symptoms was low in this group of elderly wearers of full dentures, except for pain in the masseter (39%) and articular noises (24%).