Association Between Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Stress Levels in Covid-19 Patients: Insights from A Cross-Sectional Study

To investigates the relationship between temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and perceived stress levels in COVID-19 patients. Forty-five COVID-19 patients (19 males and 26 females) involved, and their joint problem severity was recorded using the Helkimo Index, while the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) assessed their stress levels. Most patients had moderate to severe TMD. The results showed a significant difference in PSS-10 scores across different groups, with the lowest stress levels in group with mild dysfunction and the highest in those with severe dysfunction. The findings support the association between TMD and psychological stress, emphasizing the need to address stress in TMD treatment for improved patient outcomes.