Symptoms of functional disorders of the masticatory system based on patients’ self-diagnosis

Abstract

An increasing number of people are struggling with functional disorders of the masticatory musculoskeletal system. The symptoms faced by patients vary in nature, and due to the their localization (stomatognathic system) can lead to dysfunction of the individual in the form of failure to meet basic needs of life, such as food intake, free interpersonal contact. The purpose of this article is to present the symptoms of disorders of the masticatory organ realized by patients.

Seventy‑five patients participated in the study and were asked to fill out the personal form (Axis I) of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Disorders of the Masticatory System.

Symptoms of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the masticatory system were manifested in the subjects participating in the study with the following frequency: bruxism was present in 28% of the subjects; acoustic symptoms in the temporomandibular joint area were manifested by 20% of the subjects; headache appeared in 13% of the respondents; 12% of the patients struggled with murmurs or ringing in the ears; occlusal discomfort was reported by 10% of the subjects; 9% of the respondents indicated a limitation in mandibular retraction; pain and numbness in the facial region occurred in 8% of the subjects.

Conclusion: complaints occurring in the head and face area, can be distressing for patients, and therefore affect the quality of life of the individual. It is positive that there is an increased awareness among those struggling with temporomandibular problems and the ability to make a decision, to go to a specialist who is able to help. It is worthwhile to sensitize patients who are at risk to go to a specialist as soon as possible, as a chronic problem, will be centrally modulated, and therapy of such symptoms is more difficult.