Abstract
The purpose of this report was to search for the clinical requirements in regard to the TMJ dysfunction syndrome in adolescents. The subjects which we examinated by means of questionnaires were 2198 children aged 10-18 years (1095 boys and 1103 girls). Also we compared each subjective evaluation with the frequency of occurrance and based on objective examination of each subject, we investigated the significance of the case.
The results obtained were as follows:
1. Subjective incidence of this syndrome involced 253 children (11.5%)-129boys (11.8%) and 124 girls (8.2%)-with no significant differences being found between boys and girls.
2. From individual comparisons based on the clinical examinations, the junior high school age was found to be the proper age for the beginning of preventive medical care, because they were as aware of the symptoms of the TMJ dysfunction syndrome, as were the adults, and were aware of them precisely. Also the TMJ sounds were suggested as a key for guidance.
3. From the results of the frequency of questionnaire, the frequency of the clinical examinations and the“awareness”, we obtained data thought to show why females showed a high frequency in the clinico-statistical study.
