Prevalence of signs of temporomandibular disorders among elderly inhabitants of Helsinki, Finland.

The prevalence of clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders in 76-, 81-, and 86-year-old subjects living in Helsinki, Finland, were studied, using Helkimo's clinical dysfunction index. In percentage distribution, clinically symptom-free subjects (Di 0) constituted 20% of all those examined, and by percentage the largest group of subjects without signs was that of the oldest men (47%). Women had a higher prevalence of signs of temporomandibular disorders, and only 15% were clinically symptom-free. Four per cent of all those examined had severe symptoms. The commonest signs were impaired range of movement of the mandible and impaired function of the temporomandibular joint.