Prevalence of oromandibular dysfunction in a general population.

The prevalence of oromandibular dysfunction was studied in 735 subjects from a random sample population of 1,000 subjects aged 25 to 64 years. A diagnosis of oromandibular dysfunction was based on criteria established by the International Headache Society, as a subgroup to tension-type headache. Tenderness in pericranial or jaw muscles was not included.

Cephalic muscle tenderness and pressure pain threshold in a general population.

Tenderness and pain thresholds in pericranial muscles were studied in a general population. A random sample of 1000 adults aged 25-64 years was drawn as part of the Glostrup Population Studies, and 740 adults were examined. This study was part of a multifacetted, epidemiological study of different headache disorders according to the new headache classification.

[Occurrence of muscle contraction headache in children with abnormal incisor occlusion].

The principal result of the investigation indicates that children with abnormal incisor occlusion must be regarded as a risk group concerning muscle contraction headache (MCH). The need for orthodontic treatment of children with abnormal incisor occlusion is usually by layman regarded as being based upon psychosocial considerations. These considerations shall not be underestimated.

Response of elevator activity during mastication to treatment of functional disorders.

The pattern of elevator activity during mastication in temporal and masseter muscles of 37 patients with functional disorders and pain in the masticatory system was studied before and after conventional treatment and compared with a control group of 43 subjects. As compared to controls, patients before treatment chewed with greater relative strength (percent of maximal elevator activity), longer relative contraction times (percent of total duration of chewing cycle) and stronger intermediary activity between strokes. These parameters of muscle coordination are proposed as quantitative estimates of "hyperactivity".

Evaluation of pericranial tenderness and oral function in patients with common migraine, muscle contraction headache and 'combination headache'.

Oral function was evaluated in a group of 13 patients with muscle contraction headache (MCH), 7 patients with common migraine (CM) and 18 patients with 'combination headache' (CM + MCH) and in a control group of 25 normal persons who had never had a headache. Malocclusion and loss of molars were rare in both groups. Impaired denture function and joint disturbances were more frequent in the headache patients but not significantly so.

Postural and maximal activity in elevators of mandible before and after treatment of functional disorders.

In a longitudinal study we compared clinical data on pain and tenderness and electromyographic recordings of postural and maximal activity from 37 patients before and after treatment of functional disorders of the masticatory system. Forty-three dental students served as controls. Treatment was followed by a concomitant decrease of pain, tenderness and postural activity.

Pain, tenderness and strength of human mandibular elevators.

In terms of the mean voltage during maximal bite in the intercuspal position we compared the strength of the temporal and masseter muscles of 39 patients with functional disorders of the chewing apparatus and 45 controls. Maximal electrical activity was significantly stronger in the controls than in the patients. Differences between the two samples with respect to sex, age, number of opposing teeth in contact and the presence of pain and tenderness tended to favor stronger activity in the controls.

The need-demand problem in patients with oro-mandibular functional disorders.

General conditions and facts concerning need-demand will be discussed and applied to oro-mandibular functional disorders. The balance between demand for treatment and offer of treatment will be considered and with this the importance of prevention, attention to the risk groups and early treatment will be shown.