Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationships among TMD severity, bruxism, anxiety levels, pain perception, and sleep quality in pregnant women, offering insight into the complex biopsychosocial interactions occurring during gestation.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on clinical and survey data from pregnant women. Assessment tools included the Fonseca Anamnestic Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
Results: Significant associations were found between TMD severity and age, as well as between trait anxiety levels (STAI-II) and Fonseca scores. A weak but statistically significant correlation was also observed between pain levels and both state and trait anxiety. Conversely, no significant differences were found between TMD groups regarding educational status, number of pregnancies, or functional jaw movements.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that TMD symptoms during pregnancy are not solely a result of hormonal changes but are influenced by a complex interplay of psychological stress, anxiety traits, and parafunctional behaviors. Evaluating TMJ health in prenatal care settings may enhance maternal well-being, and longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate these relationships across different stages of pregnancy.

Key words: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, bruxism, pregnancy, anxiety, sleep quality, parafunctional habits