The prevalence of five representative signs and symptoms of temporomandibular pain and dysfunction were evaluated with respect to the age of several different populations. For each of the five signs and symptoms (mouth opening, joint noises, presence of degenerative joint disease, subjectively reported symptoms, and pain on function) no increase was found in the older age group over the middle‐age group. In one category (joint sounds), the prevalence decreased in the older age group when compared to the middle‐age group. When asked by questionnaire if there was pain on function, the oldest age groups had the lowest proportion of positive responses. As a result of this information it is suggested that the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders diminishes in the elderly population, although not as much as the very few numbers of elderly actually seeking treatment for this disease would sugg
展开▼
