Association Between Gum Chewing and Temporomandibular Disorders

Area of Science:

• Oral health research
• Epidemiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Gum chewing is prevalent among young adults, cited for oral and psychological benefits.
• Chronic, non-functional gum chewing is a potential risk factor for temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
• This study investigated the association between excessive gum chewing and TMD prevalence in young adults under academic stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between excessive gum chewing and the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
• To assess if gum-chewing frequency, duration, and chronicity correlate with TMD in young adults.
• To explore potential confounding factors contributing to high TMD prevalence in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol for examinations in Krakow, Poland.
• Collected data through structured questionnaires on gum-chewing habits (frequency, duration, chronicity).
• Employed univariate logistic regression to analyze associations between chewing behaviors and TMD presence (α = 0.05).

Main Results:

• Included 66 young adults aged 19-30; 83.3% were diagnosed with TMD (muscular, articular, or combined).
• Over 70% of participants reported chewing gum for more than five years.
• No statistically significant associations were found between TMD occurrence and gum-chewing frequency, duration, or chronicity (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Gum chewing may not be an independent factor in TMD development when other factors are absent.
• Elevated TMD prevalence in the study group may be linked to confounding variables like academic stress, age, or gender distribution.
• Limited sample size and cross-sectional design restrict definitive causal interpretations; further research in larger populations is recommended.