Ultrasonographic assessment of perceived stress, temporomandibular disorders, and sociodemographic influences on masseter, temporalis, and digastric muscle thickness

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the associations between perceived stress, sociodemographic and health-related factors, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and masticatory muscle thickness assessed by ultrasonography. METHODS: Forty participants were classified into high- and normal-stress groups. Perceived stress, TMD status, and ultrasonographic thickness of the masseter, anterior temporalis, and anterior digastric muscles were assessed. RESULTS: Higher perceived stress was associated with greater TMD prevalence and reduced anterior digastric muscle thickness. Male participants showed greater masseter and digastric muscle thickness. In regression analyses, female gender and high perceived stress were associated with reduced anterior digastric thickness. However, group differences in TMD prevalence and the absence of bruxism assessment limit causal inference. CONCLUSION: Perceived stress and gender were associated with anterior digastric muscle thickness in this exploratory, cross-sectional sample of young adults.