Prevalence of self-reported temporomandibular disorder symptoms, bruxism-related behaviors, and non-functional oral habits among dentistry students: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms, bruxism-related behaviors, and non-functional oral habits among dentistry students, and to examine their associations with demographic and behavioral factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 323 dentistry students at Istanbul Kent University. Data were collected using the Fonseca Anamnestic Index to assess TMD-related symptom burden and the Oral Behavior Checklist to evaluate non-functional oral behaviors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Female students had significantly higher odds of reporting TMD-related symptoms than males (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.50-4.38, p = 0.001). High parafunctional habit levels were independently associated with TMD-related symptoms (OR = 3.57, 95% CI: 2.08-6.12, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TMD symptoms and parafunctional behaviors were highly prevalent, highlighting the need for early screening and behavioral awareness in dental education programs, particularly within a high-risk student population exposed to clinical demands.