Prevalence and Risk Factors of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/vfsn4x86Keywords:
Temporomandibular disorders, Fonseca index, Bruxism, Psychological stress, Parafunctional habits, Prevalence.Abstract
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) represent a group of common musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and associated structures. These disorders are among the most frequent causes of chronic orofacial pain and functional impairment, often resulting in symptoms such as jaw pain, joint sounds, restricted mandibular movement, headaches, facial discomfort, and difficulties with mastication and speech. TMD can significantly affect an individual's quality of life, daily functioning, psychological well-being, and social interactions. Despite their multifactorial aetiology, factors such as psychological stress, parafunctional habits, bruxism, occlusal abnormalities, and demographic characteristics have been implicated in the development and progression of these disorders. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders among adults and to identify associated risk factors that may contribute to their occurrence. A total of 300 adults were screened for TMD using the validated Fonseca Anamnestic Index in combination with a comprehensive clinical examination. The severity of TMD was categorized according to established criteria, and information regarding potential risk factors, including sex, bruxism, perceived stress levels, parafunctional habits, and malocclusion, was collected. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests to assess group differences and multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for factors independently associated with TMD. The results revealed that TMD was present in 114 participants, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 38%, with the majority of affected individuals exhibiting mild forms of the disorder. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that female sex, bruxism, elevated perceived stress, and parafunctional habits were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of TMD, with all associations reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). These findings support the concept that both behavioural and psychosocial factors play important roles in the development and persistence of temporomandibular disorders. The observed association between stress and TMD further emphasizes the complex interaction between psychological and physical factors in orofacial pain conditions. In conclusion, temporomandibular joint disorders were common among the adult population studied and were significantly associated with female sex, bruxism, psychological stress, and parafunctional habits. The findings highlight the importance of early identification of at-risk individuals and support the implementation of screening programs, patient education, stress management strategies, and behaviorally oriented preventive interventions to reduce the burden of TMD and improve oral health outcomes
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