The aims of this study were first to investigate, by means of a mail questionnaire, variables from three domains: (i) socio-economic attributes; (ii) general and oral health; and (iii) dental attitudes and behaviours in a large sample of 50- and 60-year-old subjects, and second to compare subjects with or without reported temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain with respect to these variables. In 2002, a questionnaire was mailed to all 50- and 60-year-old subjects in two Swedish counties, Orebro and Ostergötland (n = 17,138; n50 = 8878; n60 = 8260). Individuals not responding within 2 weeks were given a reminder. If still not answering, a new questionnaire was sent. The final response rate was 72.8% (n = 12,468). The reported responses to questions regarding 'pain in the TMJ region' and 'difficulty to open the mouth wide' were dichotomized into two groups: (i) no temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms; and (ii) some, rather great or severe TMD symptoms. Striking differences in demographic, occupational, general and oral health conditions were found between the groups with and without TMD symptoms. The strongest risk indicator for both pain and dysfunction was reported bruxism. Women, younger subjects (50 years old) and blue-collar workers were significantly more prevalent in the TMD symptom groups. Variables related to impaired general and oral health were more common in the groups with reported TMD problems, whereas satisfaction with received dental care and with teeth was lower. Individuals with reported TMD symptoms differed significantly from those without TMD symptoms in socio-economic attributes, general and oral health symptoms, dental conditions and satisfaction with their teeth.

A generic quality of life instrument (e.g. the SF-36) provides information that is complementary to that derived from dermatological questionnaires, and may give further insight in the evaluation of the burden of psoriasis.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare the prevalence of malocclusion at ages 3 and 7 years in a sample of children, exploring the hypothesis that prevalence of malocclusion is higher at 3 than at 7 years of age and may be influenced by sucking habits. The study sample comprised 386 children (199 girls and 187 boys), aged 3 years at study start, sourced from three Public Dental Service clinics in Sweden. Malocclusion was diagnosed by clinical examination, using a specific protocol. Data on allergy, traumatic injuries, sucking habits, and breathing pattern including nocturnal breathing disturbances were obtained by means of a questionnaire answered by child and parent in conjunction with the initial and final clinical examination. The overall prevalence of malocclusion decreased significantly, from 70 to 58% (P< 0.0001): predominantly anterior open bite, excessive overjet, and Class III malocclusion. Although high rates of spontaneous correction were also noted for deep bite, Class II malocclusion and posterior and anterior crossbites, new cases developed at almost the same rate; thus, the prevalence was unchanged at the end of the observation period. Anterior open bite and posterior crossbite were the only conditions showing significant associations with sucking habits. The results confirm the hypothesis of higher prevalence of malocclusion at 3 years of age and clearly support the strategy of deferring orthodontic correction of malocclusion until the mixed dentition stage.