10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR DISORDERS IN ADULTS WITH INTACT AND RESTORED DENTITIONS

Signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) and oral para functions were re-examined in subjects, 25-26 years of age, 10 years a fter the first examination. Forty subjects had restored dentitions at both examinations (group F), 18 subjects with previously intact dentit ions had had fillings in their teeth during the follow-up period (grou p FI), and 11 subjects had intact dentitions at both examinations (gro up I). Signs and symptoms of CMD were more common among the subjects i n group F than in the original group of subjects with intact teeth (gr oup IO). In accordance with the first study most of the symptoms were mild and of low frequency. However, frequent symptoms were only found among the subjects in group FI and group F and more severe frequent sy mptoms only in group F. There was an increase of the symptoms in group FI and group F. Frequent tooth clenching and frequent tongue pressing were more common in group F and there was a statistically significant increase in group FI concerning tooth clenching and tooth grinding an d in group F concerning tooth grinding, tooth clenching and tongue pre ssing. Together with the correlations found between tooth clenching an d signs and symptoms of CMD, the findings in this study and the person ality study indicate a possible causal relationship between oral paraf unctions, signs and symptoms of CM, personality and fillings. A hypoth esis for the possible mechanisms is presented. However, the findings a re not conclusive and more studies are necessary, and for further inte rpretation of the results, studies from other research centres would b e of interest.