Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in children and adolescents is in the range of 6-68% and can be triggered or aggravated by emotional stress. Aim: The study was to investigate the prevalence of TMD in children and adolescents and its association with emotional stress. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised of 100 students aged 5-15 years. The questionnaire was used to assess the presence of TMD, and was applied in a single moment. Results: The sample consisted of 100 children aged 5-15 years, of which 72(72%) were females and 28(28%) were males. In 24 students, TMD was evident while in 76 subjects, it was not present. 14 subjects (58.3%) students presented with mild TMD, 6 (25%) had moderate, and 4 (16.6%) had severe TMD. Of the 24 students with TMD, 19 were females (79.1%) and belonged to the age group of 10-15 years (57%), followed by the age group of 5-9 years (43%). With regard to emotional stress, 20 (83.33%) of the students with TMD considered themselves tense or nervous. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of TMD in children and revealed a significant association between dysfunction and the levels of emotional stress. Female students, older students, and those considered tense or nervous have a higher probability of developing TMD.