Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Case-Controlled Study

PurposeThe present study estimated the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Patients and MethodsA study group consisting of 60 adult patients (34 women and 26 men) diagnosed with GERD was matched by age and gender to a control group of 60 patients without any signs or symptoms of GERD. The diagnosis of TMD was established using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders.ResultsOf the 60 patients in the study group, 22 (36.6%) had TMD compared with 11 (18.3%) in the control group (P = .025). Most patients with TMD in both groups were diagnosed with myofascial pain: 19 (31.7%) in the study group versus 9 (15%) in the control group (P = .031).ConclusionsThe increased TMD prevalence in patients with GERD should be explored further to better characterize the association between TMD and GERD. The physicians treating the 2 disorders should consider the clinical implications of this association.