Prevalence of signs and symptoms of dysfunction in the masticatory system: an epidemiologic study in an adult Swedish population

Abstract

The prevalence of signs and symptoms of dysfunction in the masticatory system was studied by questionnaire and clinically in a randomly selected age- and sex-stratified sample of Swedish adults as a part of an epidemiologic survey on oral health. The prevalence of dental wear was also registered. There were 920 subjects examined, representing a participation rate of 95%. The questions and the clinical examination parameters were in accordance with those suggested by Helkimo in 1973. Reported symptoms decreased with age, while clinical signs increased. The prevalence of severe dysfunction was extremely low. The degree of dental wear increased with age, but extensive wear was extremely rare in women.