Characteristics of Temporomandibular Disorders in Instrumentalists

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the subjective symptoms and clinical signs through the TMD-questionnaire, clinical examination and radiography against the many instrumental performers and to investigate the association between playing instruments and TMDs. Materials and Methods: A total of 803 instrumental performers received TMD-related questionnaire and evaluations of prevalence and disease distribution were performed. Among those who reported at least one symptom of TMD, 70 volunteers visited in clinic then received clinical examination and radiography for diagnosis and evaluations of prevalence and disease distribution were performed. 70 subjects were divided into three groups as woodwind, brass wind, string. Comparative analysis of disease distribution was performed. Results: Among 803 instrumental performers, 610 people (75.97%) were reported to one or more symptoms of TMD. The most frequent symptom was click (29.68%).70 subjects underwent a clinical examination and radiography survey results, the most frequent symptom was a click (29.75%). Most commonly diagnosed disease was a myofacial pain (30.53%).Comparison of the three groups, a significant difference was not observed in the clinical sign. But among subject symptom, muscle pains howed significant differences in accordance with the Group (P = 0.024). During the 70 people who underwent clinical examination, 66 people (94.3%) showed moderate to severe attrition, mild to severe tongue ridging, mild to severe cheek ridging assigns of parafunction. Conclusion: Instrumental performers showed a high prevalence of TMD and the most of the musicians with temporomandibular disorder had bruxism or clenching habits.ope