Temporal changes and gender differences related to orofacial symptoms in two cohorts of 75‐year‐old Swedish subjects examined in 2007 and 2017: A repeated cross‐sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To compare two cohorts of 75‐year‐old persons, born 10 years apart, in regard to reported symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial complaints with special reference to gender differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2007, a questionnaire comprising questions on social factors, general and oral health, and a series of attitude‐related questions was mailed to all individuals born in 1932 living in two Swedish counties (N = 5195), and in 2017 to all born in 1942 (N = 7204). The response rate for the cohort examined in 2007 was 71.9% (n = 3735) and 70.7% (n = 5091) for the cohort examined in 2017. Bivariate statistical analyses were applied. RESULTS: Reported bruxism and pain from the temporomandibular joint were significantly higher in the 1942 cohort compared to the 1932 cohort, while reports of oral lesions and daytime dry mouth were lower. Women reported problems significantly more frequently in most of the domains investigated in both 2007 and 2017, that is, TMD, burning mouth, sensitive teeth, oral lesions, taste changes, daytime/night‐time dry mouth, except bad breath. CONCLUSIONS: TMD‐related symptoms increased while complaints from oral lesions and daytime mouth dryness decreased between 2007 and 2017. Temporal changes were otherwise few, but the findings underline the gender inequalities that exist, to the disadvantage of women. This must be considered when planning for clinical care/dental education to appropriately address the needs of older people.