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Association Between Problematic Smartphone Use and Temporomandibular Disorder Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study in
Neil Dominic1, Devakumari S2, Satish Kumar3
1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, IND.
Cureus
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Problematic smartphone use (PSU) did not significantly correlate with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) severity in this study. These findings highlight the complex, multifactorial nature of TMD, suggesting smartphone habits alone do not dictate disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is linked to various health issues, including musculoskeletal strain, psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and reduced physical activity.
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are multifactorial, and the aforementioned factors may influence their development or severity.
- The specific relationship between problematic smartphone use and the severity of temporomandibular disorders remains inadequately understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between problematic smartphone use and the severity of temporomandibular disorders.
- To identify potential predictors of temporomandibular disorder severity among smartphone users.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 233 adult smartphone users was conducted.
- Validated questionnaires assessed problematic smartphone use, TMD severity, psychological distress, sleep quality, and physical activity levels.
- Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and binary logistic regression, were employed to determine associations and predictors.
Main Results:
- Problematic smartphone use was prevalent in 73% of participants.
- A significant association between problematic smartphone use and temporomandibular disorder severity was not found (p = 0.53).
- Only sex emerged as a significant predictor of TMD severity (OR = 0.432, p = 0.006), while PSU, psychological distress, sleep quality, and physical activity did not predict severity.
Conclusions:
- Problematic smartphone use is not significantly associated with temporomandibular disorder severity.
- Temporomandibular disorders are multifactorial, and smartphone usage patterns may not independently influence disease severity.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex etiology of TMD.
