The association between chronotype profile and temporomandibular disorders among college students

Background Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are common in young adults, and the link between chronotype profile and TMDs is unclear. Objective This study examined TMD prevalence and chronotype distribution and explored the relationship between chronotype and TMDs in young adults. Materials and Methods A total of 663 students from Sichuan University completed questionnaires. Chronotype profiles were assessed using the Morningness‐Eveningness Questionnaire, and TMDs were screened using the Fonseca Memory Index. To validate the findings, 68 TMD patients and 136 controls were enrolled. Results The prevalence of TMDs was 69.7%, with significant differences among chronotype profiles. The intermediate profile was the most common chronotype. Eveningness profile was associated with higher TMDs prevalence and severity. Muscle pain and side movement difficulty scores were higher in eveningness and intermediate profiles. Female gender (OR 2.345; 95% CI 1.668–3.297) was a TMD risk factor, while morningness profile (OR 0.537; 95% CI 0.297–0.970) was protective. Validation with TMD patients and controls supported these findings, showing higher eveningness profile prevalence in the TMD groups. Conclusions TMDs have a high prevalence in college students, chronotype profiles shown to be associated with TMDs. Morningness is the protection factor in TMDs and PT, eveningness is a risk factor for IT.