Prevalence and normative values for Jaw Functional Limitations in the general population in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: For Jaw Functional Limitations measured by the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS), (i) determining prevalence in the Swedish general adult population, (ii) investigating the influence of demographic factors and self-reported dental status, and (iii) deriving normative values.

METHODS: A random sample of the general adult population in Sweden was approached (response rate: 46%, N=1,372). Prevalence was determined for the JFLS summary score and individual items. The influence of age, gender, and dental status was investigated with regression analyses and normative values presented.

RESULTS: The JFLS median score was 0 and all items had prevalences <30%. Age and gender did not influence Jaw Functional Limitations but dental status did. Normative JFLS scores were 1, 9 and 28 for the 7th , 8th , and 9th decile, respectively. In dental status-stratified norms, 9th deciles were 20, 43, and 100, for subjects with natural teeth only, removable and complete dentures, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The Swedish general adult population had excellent jaw function, but dental status was major determinant. In the absence of information linking JFLS scores to important patient concerns, the score distribution can serve as a reference with the 9th decile as threshold for functional limitation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.