The occurrence of TMJ -disorders in an elderly population as evaluated by recording of "subjective" and "objective"...

The occurrence of "objective" symptoms of TMJ -disorder, as measured by clinical examination, and self-reported "subjective" symptoms, were investigated in a survey of 241 persons ages 65-79. This group constituted the participants of a sample which was drawn to cover all persons in this age category living in the county of Troms in Norway. The participation rate was 86. Participants were examined and interviewed by dentists in graduate training. Eight per cent of the group reported to have had TMJ pain recently. Fourteen per cent said they had clicking or creptiation. These symptoms were twice as commonly reported by women as by men, and they were also most frequent among people complaining of rheumatism or general joint pain. By the clinical examination, clicking and/or crepitation was found in 27% of the individuals. Limitation of jaw movement was registered in only 3 persons. These "objective" symptoms were evenly common with both sexes. Dental/prosthetic status had seemingly no distinct influence of the findings.