Predictors of TMD symptoms in Amazonian military personnel: Occupational, psychosocial, and bruxism-related factors.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and its association with stress, bruxism, and pain hypervigilance among military personnel in the Amazon region, Brazil.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 352 active-duty military personnel without health issues. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Pain Vigilance Awareness Questionnaire, questions on awake and sleep bruxism, and the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (DC/TMD). Logistic regression models were applied, retaining variables with p ≤ .05. Model fit was tested using the Akaike Information Criterion.

RESULTS

TMD symptoms were reported by 53.7% of participants, and 48.0% experienced pain. Significant associations were observed between TMD and longer service duration, awake and sleep bruxism, and higher stress. Women reported more headaches, while men more often experienced jaw-locking.

CONCLUSION

TMD was highly prevalent and linked to stress, bruxism, and service duration, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate physical and psychological consequences in military populations.