ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common non-dental cause of orofacial pain with a multifactorial aetiology. AIM: To evaluate the head and craniocervical posture between individuals with and without TMD and its sub types by photographic and radiographic method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty four TMD patients diagnosed according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD's (RDC/TMD) and were divided into 2 groups: Group I (muscle disorder), Group II (disc displacement). Control group comprised of 34 age and sex matched subjects without TMD. Lateral view photographs were taken and the head posture angle was measured. Craniocervical posture was assessed on lateral skull radiograph with two angles (Craniocervical Angle, Cervical Curvature Angle) and two distances (Suboccipital Space, Atlas-Axis Distance). To compare the results, t-test was used with significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Head posture showed no statistical significant difference (p > 0.05) between Group I, II and control group in both photographic and radiographic methods. The cervical curvature angle showed significant difference (p = 0.045) in Group I only. Atlas-Axis Distance was statistically significant in Group II (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed that there is a negative association of head posture and TMD whereas, cervical lordosis was present in Group I only.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis and oral infections can be a major concern in patients suffering from mouth dryness. Whole mouth salivary flow is affected by many factors which may include habits like smoking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of xerostomia and hyposalivation among smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study groups included 60 smokers and 60 healthy non-tobacco users as case and control groups respectively. A questionnaire was used to collect the smoking habits and symptoms associated with xerostomia. Measurement of unstimulated whole mouth salivary flow for 3 minutesutes was performed using modified Schirmer test. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of xerostomia symptom was 37% in smokers and it was 13% in non-smokers, with a statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.003). The prevalence of hyposalivation was 43% in smokers, whereas it was only 8% in the control group (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Xerostomia symptoms with significant reduction in unstimulated whole mouth salivary flow were associated with long term smoking.
