An epidemiological study of temporomandibular disorders in university students of Taiwan

Abstract

A total of 2033 university students were surveyed for the prevalence of TMD in Taiwan. It was found that 42.9% of the students had one or more signs related to TMD, and females were slightly more frequently found. Clicking of the joint was the most common sign. Occlusal factors such as balancing contact, dental restoration, molar guidance in eccentric movement, etc., were more often found in the TMD group. Scores on stress, general anxiety, emotion and anger were higher in the TMD group while tension, ambition, depression, competition and test anxiety were not as significant. Although the prevalence of TMD in this population is high, the severity and treatment demands are low.