Association of vitamin D status with the presence of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD): a case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is essential for musculoskeletal health, and its deficiency has been linked to various pain disorders. However, evidence regarding its association with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) remains inconsistent, particularly in South Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and TMD in adults. and explore potential confounders associated with TMD.

METHODS

This matched age and sex case-control study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 100 participants (50 TMD cases and 50 age- and sex-matched controls) were enrolled. TMD status was determined using a structured validated symptom-based questionnaire derived from the Fonseca Anamnestic Index. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Group comparisons were performed using Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with TMD, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in TMD cases compared with controls (median: 11.6 ng/mL vs. 15.5 ng/mL; p = 0.004). Multivariable binary logistic regression showed that higher vitamin D levels were associated with reduced odds of TMD (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.97; p = 0.011). Lower educational status was also significantly associated with increased TMD risk (aOR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.42-12.24; p = 0.009), while other sociodemographic factors were not significant after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower serum vitamin D levels were significantly associated with temporomandibular disorders. These findings suggest a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and TMD, warranting further studies to confirm causality.