Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 1978, Volume 5, pages 63-68

Some self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in a population in Northern Norway

PERW. N O R H E I M a « ^ B J 0 R N L . DAHL

Department of Prosthetic

Dentistry, University of Oslo

Summary

The distribution of a number of self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, parafunctions and treatment behaviour was studied by means of a questionnaire answered by 94% of a population group of 358 persons aged 20-69 years in Northern Norway. Nine subjects reported pain from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when opening their mouth and/or when chewing, while twenty-one subjects had clicking sounds in the TMJ. Seventeen persons had been grinding their teeth during the previous week. Only seven individuals had ever sought medical or dental advice because of TMJ disorder. Tooth grinding and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction were most common in young people, in people with twenty teeth of more and/or in people from high social classes, whereas differences according to sex and income were small. The low frequency of subjective symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and parafunctions in this population was related to demographical, social, dental and methodological influences. Introduction

Most studies of functional disorders of the masticatory system, classified as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, comprise individuals attending a clinic for treatment (for review see Helkimo, 1974a). Practically all these investigations have shown a marked predominance of patients between twenty and forty years of age, and as many as 70-90% of the subjects have been women (Helkimo, 1974b). Other studies have indicated that there is also a preponderance of patients belonging to the middle and upper social classes (Franks, 1964; Hel0e & Heloe, 1975). These opinions have only partly been corroborated by the few epidemiological studies presented on TMJ dysfunction. Agerberg & Carlsson (1972) found signs of parafunction and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction more common in women than in men, but the differences were not as marked as had been expected, and the age distribution was more even than previously shown. These findings were confirmed by Helkimo (1974b) who observed small differences in sex and age distribution of symptoms of TMJ dysfunction in a population of Skolt- and Inare-Lapps. However, the frequency of symptoms was remarkably high. Apart from these studies epidemioCorrespondence: Dr B. Dahl, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University of Oslo, Geitmyrsvegen 69, Oslo 4.

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P. W. Norheim and B. L. Dahl

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logical population data on the occurrence of TMJ dysfunction in relation to income and/or social class is sparse. This paper concerns the rate and distribution of a few self-reported symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, parafunctional habits (i.e. tooth grinding), and treatment behaviour in a population in Northern Norway. Material and methods

In July 1973 a questionnaire was mailed to the population of the coastal community Lyngseidet in Northern Norway where one of the authors (P. W.N.) had carried out a broad dental health survey of the population between May 1972 and April 1973. From the study population of 358 persons aged 20-69 years the response rate was 94% (Norheim & Heloe, 1975). The questionaire contained structured questions, i.e. questions with fixed alternative answers concerning the number of teeth, the occurrence of self-reported symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and tooth grinding. It also asked whether the respondents had sought medical or dental advice for their complaints. The participants were divided into three social classes according to occupation (each family member was classified as that member ranking highest). Class 1: professionals and executives; Class 2: 'white collar' employees and foremen; Class 3: 'blue collar' workers (Heloe & Hel0e, 1975). In order to evaluate the strength between some background variables and the findings the Chi-square-test was applied. Results

The questions and distribution of answers were as follows: Have you suffered from any of these complaints in the course of the last week? (Questions 1-4). (1) Fatigue or stiffness in your lower jaw? Answer: Yes; 2 persons. (2) Pain upon opening your jaw in the morning? Answer: Yes; 1 person. (3) Pain upon gaping or chewing? Answer: Yes, on the right side; 2 persons. Yes, on the left side; 6 persons. Yes, on both sides; 1 person. (4) Clicking or creaking sounds in the TMJ ? Answer: Yes, on the right side; 5 persons. Yes, on the left side; 7 persons. Yes, on both sides; 9 persons. (5) Have you been in the habit of grinding your teeth in the course of the last week ? Answer: Yes; 17 persons. (6) Have you ever sought dental or medical advice for any of the afore mentioned complaints ? Answer: Yes, during the last year; 3 persons. Yes, more than one year ago; 4 persons. Sex and age There was no difference between men and women regarding the number of symptoms reported (Table 1). Four percent of the women, but only 1 % of the men had sought professional help because of their complaints. Age differences were marked. Fourteen

Self-reported symptoms of TMJ dysfunction

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Some self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in a population in Northern Norway.

Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 1978, Volume 5, pages 63-68 Some self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in a population in Nor...
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