Mandibular function is severely impaired in systemic sclerosis patients.

Aims: To evaluate the presence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and its possible association with the severity of skin involvement.

Methods: The presence of TMD was evaluated in 35 SSc women and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls by means of the anamnestic (A(i)) and clinical (D(i)) Helkimo indices; the jaw mobility was further analyzed (M(I)). Skin involvement was scored by the Modified Rodnan Skin Score (MRSS).