Subjective symptoms from the stomatognathic system in ankylosing spondylitis.

One hundred individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 57 individuals a comparison group responded to a questionnaire concerning subjective symptoms from the stomatognathic system and general joint symptoms. It was concluded that the individuals with AS have more subjective symptoms from the stomatognathic system, especially difficulties in wide mouth opening, than the comparison group. Specific temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in AS was difficult to determine but pain in the TMJ region, stiffness/tiredness in the jaws and with AS. TMJ involvement was also correlated to the severity and extension of the AS. In the comparison group awareness of parafunctions such as tooth-clenching and tooth-grinding were important subjective factors correlated to their symptoms from the stomatognathic system.