Epidemiologic studies on prevalence and etiology of functional disturbances of the masticatory system.

Clinical observations and data from the literature indicate a high prevalence of functional disturbances of the masticatory system, especially TMJ dysfunctions and bruxism. Clinical observations indicate that these disturbances are caused mainly by malocclusion, iatrogenic factors, and increased psychoemotional tension. On the basis of epidemiologic studies on five populations of different ages, the prevalence and etiology of functional disturbances of the masticatory system were analyzed. The need for causal local prophylaxis of functional disturbances was postulated.