Objectives: TMD prevalence depends on the examination methods and classification system used. Standardized diagnostic classification systems such as the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD; Dworkin and LeResche, 1992) provide criteria for deriving TMD diagnoses that allow comparison across studies. Prevalence data for RDC/TMD diagnoses for children and adolescents in Germany are lacking. It was our aim to determine the prevalence of TMD diagnoses in this age group. Method: Subjects were 1011 children and adolescents aged 10-18 years (13.1 ± 2.0 years, 52% female) from the Halle metropolitan area. Subjects were sampled in schools using a two-stage cluster technique (response rate: 85%). TMDs were assessed using RDC/TMD examination methods and RDC/TMD algorithm diagnoses were derived. Reliability of examination findings was acceptable. The prevalence of myofascial pain with or without limited opening, disc displacement with or without reduction (with or without limited opening), arthralgia, osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis are presented as weighted data (including the sampling design) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: 9.3% (95% CI: 0.7-12.3; N=103) of the sample received at least one RDC diagnosis. The most common TMD diagnosis was disc displacement with reduction (Group IIa), found in 7.2% of the sample (95% CI: 5.1-10.2; N=80). Group Ia diagnosis (myofascial pain) was found in only 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1-0.6; N=3) of the sample. Fifteen subjects (1.5%; 95% CI: 0.9-2.6) presented a Group III disorder; the majority of these subjects (N=13) suffered from arthralgia. TMD pain diagnoses (Group I or III) were found in 2.3% (95% CI: 1.5-3.4; N=23) of the sample. More than one diagnosis was found in five subjects. Group Ib, IIb, IIc and IIIb diagnoses were not observed. Conclusion: About every 10th child/teenager presented TMD diagnoses according to RDC/TMD, about one quarter of these received a TMD pain diagnosis. Supported by Kultusministerium Sachsen-Anhalt (Grant 3292A/0080G).

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