The association between oral behaviors, appetitive traits, and temporomandibular disorders – a matched case-control study

OBJECTIVE: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) often impair mastication and quality of life. While oral behaviors are recognized as risk factors, the role of appetitive traits remains unclear. This study investigated associations among oral behaviors, appetitive traits, and TMDs. METHODS: A matched case-control design included 84 patients with TMDs and 84 age‑ and sex‑matched controls. Participants completed validated Chinese versions of the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) and the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire. RESULTS: TMD patients demonstrated significantly higher waking‑state oral behaviors and overall OBC scores. Regression analysis revealed that high OBC grades were associated with TMDs. Specific behaviors-muscle tensing without tooth contact, sleeping with jaw pressure, and unilateral chewing-were significantly linked. Appetitive traits showed no significant association. CONCLUSION: Oral behaviors, particularly waking‑state muscle tension without tooth contact, were strongly associated with TMDs, whereas appetitive traits were not. Behavioral assessment and modification may aid TMD management.