Jaw pain on the rise in Sweden

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 22 October 2024

save

STOCKHOLM, Sweden: A recent public health study in Sweden has revealed an intriguing and important phenomenon: temporomandibular disorder in the country is significantly increasing. The figures also demonstrate that this condition affects a specific segment of the population disproportionately. Of further concern is that governmental motivation to address the issue currently appears to be inadequate.

The causes and consequences of jaw pain are manifold. It may result from something as common as bruxism and stress or may derive from other conditions and factors such as arthritis, trauma or misalignment of the jaw. It is also accompanied by a range of symptoms, such as headaches, difficulty chewing and eating, and jaw clicking. Such deep discomfort may also impact the psychological well-being of the subject, with anxiety and depression a frequent flow-on effect.

In Sweden, new figures from the social insurance agency, compiled by the public dental service, suggest that temporomandibular disorder has increased significantly in recent years. This is deduced from the roughly 20% rise in the number of hard splints produced in Sweden in the last ten years to 53,000 in 2023.

Speaking to the Sweden Herald, Dr Lars Fredriksson, chief dentist at the public dental service, explained that temporomandibular disorder disproportionately affects middle-aged women, and he surmises that it is this demographic bias that explains why the issue is not taken more seriously.

“This is a disease that has very low prestige. It is common when it comes to diseases that primarily affect women and where there is no surgery or technical aids.” He expanded on the financial inequalities surrounding treatment of the condition, saying that the Swedish healthcare system treats temporomandibular disorder differently from other health issues, and this can act as a barrier to accessing care.

Like with many other facets of dental care and oral health across Europe and the world more generally, a committed government response is required in order to prevent these conditions from affecting ever-increasing numbers of the population, especially those who are already vulnerable.