Trends in the prevalence of diagnosed temporomandibular disorder from 2004 to 2013 using a Nationwide health insurance database in Taiwan

Background/purpose Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is defined as various clinical signs and symptoms involving the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diagnosed TMD in Taiwan using a National Health Insurance Research Database from 2004 to 2013. Materials and methods A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the registered database compiled by the National Health Insurance from 2004 to 2013. The diagnosis of TMDs was identified in accordance with the International Classification of Disease, Ninth revision (ICD-9-CM 524.6). The relative risk of TMD from 2004 to 2013 after adjusting for year, age, and gender was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of TMD increased significantly from 14 (per 104) to 26 (per 104) over the past 10 year period [odds ratio (OR), 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.09]. The mean age with TMD from 2004 to 2013 was 52.31 ± 17.15 years and 45.12 ± 17.32 years, respectively. The female group had a higher risk of TMD than the male group (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.49–1.94). Conclusion Taken together, the estimated prevalence of TMD significantly increased from 2004 to 2013 in Taiwan. In addition, the risk for TMD was higher among women than among men.