The prevalence of myofascial pain and its association with occlusal factors in a threshold country non-patient population.

The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of myofascial pain in a threshold country and to isolate occlusal risk factors. One hundred and seventy-one randomized selected women were examined by a trained examiner in accordance with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) examination procedure. Subscales of the SCL 90-R, graded chronic pain status, and anamnestic questionnaires were also used. Logistic regression was performed to compute the odds ratios for six common occlusal features with regard to the presence of myofascial pain, in accordance with the RDC/TMD criteria. Fifteen subjects (15 / 151 = 9.93%) suffered from myofascial pain. Results from logistic regression analysis showed that non-occlusion (posterior teeth, at least one side) and open bite increased the risk of myofascial pain. The prevalence of myofascial pain in this study is comparable with that in another study, in a highly industrialized environment, in which the RDC/TMD was used. The role of occlusion in a non-patient population seems to be restricted to serious alterations of normality. This article presents the prevalence of myofascial pain and its association with occlusal factors. This issue will help the clinicians to assess the influence of occlusion in myofascial pain patients and to send the patient to the appropriate specialist.