There is disagreement about the association between missing teeth and the presence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD).Aim: To investigate whether, the span of edentulousness, gender, number of quadrants involved, pathological migration and the type of kennedy's classification are related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction signs. Materials and methods:Clinical examination of 250 patients (males 99 and females 151) was done among the age group of 35 to 45 years. The patients were partially edentulous for 6 months or more and did not wear any kind of prosthesis.Results: Among 250 subjects, females showed more TMJ dysfunction signs. Clicking sounds were present in 46.5%, mandibular deviation was present in 40% of individuals, TMJ tenderness was observed in 32% and masseter was involved in 32% of individual. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction signs in relation to pathologic migration of teeth show that clicking and mandibular deviation was present in 54.5 and 49.2% and among muscles masseter muscle tenderness 41.9% was more commonly present. Masseter muscle tenderness 64.1% was seen in individuals who were edentulous for more than 5 years. Conclusion:Females subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of TMJ dysfunction signs then male subjects. As the span and time of edentulousness, the number of missing teeth and the number of quadrant involved increased, the signs of dysfunction became more prevalent. Among the TMJ dysfunction signs deviation and clicking sound were most frequently observed. The masseter muscle was most commonly affected and demonstrated muscle tenderness.

Saliva plays a vital role in oral health as patients strive to maintain a healthy dentition throughout their lives. It is nature's primary defense mechanism for the oral environment, and is particularly important for protecting exposed tooth surfaces. While internal protection for dentin comes from odontoblasts and the dental pulp, the body's external protection for enamel comes from saliva.The noninvasive nature of salivary testing has made it an effective alternative to blood and urine testing and home testing kits have made it possible for people to monitor their own health using this diagnostic medium. This paper presents what saliva can reveal about general and oral health as well as highlights the current use and potential clinical and research applications, of diagnostics based on oral fluids.Clinical significance: Early detection always minimizes the need for more invasive treatment. It prevents oral health disease at an early stage and provides a good oral health in rejuvenated state. If you stick and follow regular professional care, prevention maintenance appointments, prevention counseling, good home care and oral hygiene, diet habits you will be free from oral health illness and you can experience the harmonious and rejuvenated state of good oral health.

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