Prevalence of functional disturbances and diseases of the stomatognathic system in 15-18 year olds.

Three hundred and nine teenagers were interviewed and clinically examined in an stomatognathic epidemiological study of young people aged 15-18 in Malmö, Sweden. The youngsters were randomly selected. Forty-one per cent (41%) claimed symptoms, 16% recurrent headaches and 17% had noticed clicking sounds from the temporomandibular joints. At least one of following parafunctions: grinding, clenching, lip- and cheek-biting, nailbiting were stated by 74% of the young adults. Occlusal interferences were found in 83% and mediotrusion interferences in 77%. More than half (55%) of the young people exhibited temporomandibular joint muscles tender on palpation and 34% stated that they experienced pain on palpation of the temporomandibular joints. It is concluded that there is a higher prevalence of symptoms among the young adults than among children (Nilner & Lassing 1981).