Effects of Temporomandibular Disorders on the Oral Hygiene Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Young Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to provide basic data to develop effective measures to improve the oral hygiene and oral health-related quality of life of individuals by preventing temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Data were collected from 148 young adults who visited the Department of Dental Hygiene of K University in Region D for practical training. The collected data were subjected to independent sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient and logistic regression analyses. Results: Incidence of temporomandibular disorders and oral hygiene status were significantly negatively correlated with oral health-related quality of life, whereas that of temporomandibular disorders was significantly positively correlated with the oral hygiene status. Additionally, incidence of temporomandibular disorders was 3.821 times higher in the poor oral hygiene group than in the good oral hygiene group and 0.845 times lower in the good oral health-related quality of life group than in the poor oral healthrelated quality of life group. The explanatory power of these factors was 53.9%. Conclusions: These results suggest the importance of the prevention, early detection, and treatment of temporomandibular disorders to ensure good oral hygiene status and oral health-related quality of life of young adults. Furthermore, there is need for effective oral health education measures, including oral health projects for young adults, to prevent and treat temporomandibular joint disorders.