The Presence of Degenerative Changes in the Temporomandibular Joints in Light of Odontological Investigation of 19th–20th Century Skeletal Sample From Wroclaw (Poland)

ABSTRACT Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are critical components of the masticatory system, and their health reflects both functional demands and environmental pressures experienced by past populations. Although TMJ morphology and disorders are well‐documented clinically, paleopathological research on degenerative changes in historical populations remains limited. Studying TMJ pathologies alongside dental health parameters provides important insights into mastication patterns, aging, diet, and oral hygiene practices in historical contexts. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between TMJ pathology and biological traits, and to analyze the associations between dental health indicators and sex, age, and TMJ changes in a 19th‐ to 20th‐century population from Poland. This study analyzed the dental status and TMJ pathological changes in 70 adult individuals (34 males, 36 females) from the 19th‐ to 20th‐century “Kuronia” skeletal collection (Wroclaw, Poland). TMJ alterations were assessed based on the degree, intensity, and extent of structural changes in the articular surfaces. Dental health was documented following the Federation Dentaire Internationale protocol, including the evaluation of tooth loss, dental crown wear, caries, calculus, and signs of infection. Degenerative changes on TMJ articular surfaces were observed in 68.5% of individuals. A statistically significant correlation was found between the frequency of TMJ alterations and age ( p = 0.027). Males exhibited more advanced tooth wear compared to females ( p = 0.037). Additionally, a significant association was detected between age and the number of antemortem lost teeth ( p = 0.012), with older individuals displaying higher rates of tooth loss. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the examined dental health traits and the frequency or intensity of TMJ degenerative changes. The findings confirm that TMJ degeneration is strongly age‐related and influenced by dental status, particularly tooth loss. Integrating TMJ analysis with dental health evaluation enhances our understanding of biocultural adaptations and functional stressors in historical populations.