Evaluation of the possible relationship between obesity and temporomandibular joint disorders

Objectives: The objective of this study is to question the existence of a possible relationship between obesity and temporomandibular joint disorders. Subjects and Methods: A total of 256 healthy subjects were included in the study. While the body mass index was used for the detection of obesity, Fonseca anamnestic index was used for the detection of temporomandibular joint disorders. The relationship between body mass index and temporomandibular joint disorders frequency was investigated. Values of P< 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: There were 136 female (53.1%) and 120 male (46.9%) subjects. The mean age was 39.02 +/- 10.62. 41.4% of the subjects were in normal weight, 32.4% were overweight and 26.1% were obese. The prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders was 73.8%. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference between body mass index and temporomandibular joint disorders frequency, but further larger studies will give more accurate outcomes.