Temporomandibular disorders and quality of life among 12-year-old schoolchildren

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), quality of life, and malocclusion. Methods: A cross-sectional observational design study was utilized among 248 schoolchildren aged 12 years old. Symptoms of TMD were assessed using the Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders Triage Questionnaire, and subjects were further evaluated as oral-health-related quality of life (CPQ11-14), tooth clenching/grinding and malocclusion (Dental Aesthetic Index). Chi-square for independence, Odds Ratio and Mann–Whitney test were used (p = 0.05) statistically. Results: Statistically, association was detected between TMD symptoms with pain and worse quality of life (p < 0.0138), and pain with quality of life and clenching/grinding (p = 0.0120 and 0.0007). Discussion: The symptoms of TMD are associated with pain and teeth clenching, causing a negative impact on schoolchildren’s quality of life; thus, a study of the TMD impact on quality of life is justified.