Three decades of research on the association between temporomandibular disorders and headache: A bibliometric...

To perform a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature published over the past 3 decades on the relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and headache, examining scientific production, citation impact, and the conceptual structure and temporal evolution of research topics in this field.

TMDs are the most common chronic orofacial pain condition, whereas migraine and tension-type headache are among the leading causes of pain and disability worldwide. These conditions frequently co-occur and share underlying pain-related mechanisms, contributing to increased symptom burden and challenges in clinical management. Understanding how this relationship has been investigated over time is essential for identifying gaps in the literature and supporting more integrated approaches to diagnosis and management.

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection, including original articles and reviews published between 1995 and 2025. Performance analysis, citation metrics, and keyword-based approaches were applied to evaluate scientific production, collaboration patterns, and the conceptual and temporal evolution of research topics.

A total of 177 publications from 86 sources were analyzed, involving 641 authors and 5738 references, with a mean of 5.19 coauthors per document. Annual scientific production increased over time, with an annual growth rate of 10%. Research output was concentrated in a limited set of countries, led by the United States (n = 179 coauthorship occurrences) and Brazil (n = 106), followed by Finland, Italy, Poland, and Denmark. The most globally cited study was Ohrbach et al. (2011; 289 citations), with other highly cited works focusing on epidemiology, symptom characterization, and comorbidity patterns (e.g., LeResche et al. 2005; Ballegaard et al. 2008; Gonçalves et al. 2010, 2011). Keyword frequency and co-occurrence analyses showed a structured organization centered on clinical and epidemiological domains, with migraine and diagnostic criteria acting as bridging elements across clusters. Trend analyses indicated a shift from broader descriptors (e.g., gender, general population) toward standardized diagnostic frameworks and methodological refinement (e.g., diagnostic criteria, management), and, more recently, the incorporation of chronic pain, psychosocial factors, and mechanisms (e.g., chronic pain, depression, mechanisms).

Research on the relationship between TMD and headache has evolved into a structured and expanding field, with increasing thematic diversification. Recent developments indicate a shift toward more complex and multidimensional research frameworks, reflecting broader approaches to understanding these conditions.