Craniomandibular disorders and skeletal mineral status

Values for bone mineral density of the femoral neck and lumbar spine were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for 355 postmenopausal women 48 to 56 years of age. The bone mineral density in three regions of the mandible was measured by quantitative computed tomography for 77 of the 355 women. Existing symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction were recorded in both an anamnestic inquiry and a clinical examination. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the bone mineral density of the skeleton and mandible is associated with symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunctions. The results suggest that the habits and conditions that provoke development of general bone loss in the skeleton may disturb the functional harmony of the masticatory system and, thus, increase the possibility for craniomandibular disorders (CMD).