Muscular contraction headache and dental imbalance.

A physical explanation for the contraction of the muscles of mastication, in muscular contraction headache, is described. It is suggested the role of tension is over emphasized as the main aetiological factor. In the younger dentate group, the presence of dental imbalance requires diagnosis by a dental practitioner. In the older, edentulous group, the family physician can easily diagnose mandibular overclosure from the facies (Fig. 1) or absence of molar teeth (Fig. 7) especially if combined with wearing the same set of dentures for more than ten years. When these signs are present, the family physician should consider referring such patients for a dental opinion.