OCCUPATIONAL COMPLICATIONS RELATED CRANIOFACIAL HABITS AND ITS EFFECTS ON ORAL HEALTH AMONG CONSTRUCTION LABOURS IN CHENNAI – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Aim and Objective: To assess the occupational hazard of construction workers due to craniofacial habits. The primary objective is to evaluate the prevalence of TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) disorders and non carious dental lesions such as dental attrition and abfraction. The secondary objective is to assess the association between weight lifting and TMJ disorders, non carious dental lesions. The initial study hypothesis was that construction workers with heavy weight lifting would suffer from the above-mentioned conditions more often.

Methods:  A cross sectional study was done among construction workers in and around Chennai with questionnaires and a clinical examination for assessing TMJ disorders and non carious lesion.

Results: The TMJ clicking sign was noted high between the age group of 31 to 40 years (n=58) while 17 to 30 years have (n=58), 41 to 50 years have (n=40), 51 to 60 years have (n=32) and above 60 years have (n=8).Based on the number of years of working as construction labours, those who are working for more than 5 years had high TMJ signs. Construction labours whose work were associated with weight lifting had increased TMJ signs (n=171), increased grade I dental wear (n=140), increased grade II dental wear (n=112) while those who are not associated with weight lifting had lesser TMJ clicking sign (n=16) lesser grade I dental wear (n=49), increased grade II dental wear (n=16). 

Conclusion: It can be concluded that weight lifting by itself may not be a risk factor for TMJ disorders, but with associated factors such as number of years of weight lifting work, increased age might act as a a potential risk factor for irreversible hard tooth tissue damage(dental attrition and dental abfraction) and contribute to TMJ disorders.