Temporomandibular disorder prevalence and its association with oral parafunctions, neck pain, and neck function in healthcare students: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the temporomandibular disorder (TMD) prevalence in female students and to assess its association with oral parafunctions, neck pain, and function.

METHODS

One hundred forty-four participants were included. The severity of TMD was assessed with Fonseca's Anamnestic Index (FAI). The oral parafunctions were self-reported with the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC). Neck pain and neck function were recorded with the Core Outcome Measure Index (COMI). The Spearman correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy participants (48.6%) had mild TMD. All participants had a positive OBC score, which indicated an oral parafunction. A moderate correlation between TMD and oral parafunctions (p < 0.001) was detected.

DISCUSSION: TMD is common in female healthcare students, and its presence is associated with oral parafunctions, neck pain, and function. It is recommended to evaluate oral health habits and neck pain and function in females with TMD.