Which gender is twice as likely to report TMJ?

• A. Male
• B. Female
• C. Nonbinary
• D. Unknown

Answer: (B)

TMJ disorder prevalence shows a gender difference, with women about twice as likely to report symptoms. This pattern shows up consistently in population studies and is most pronounced in the reproductive-age group. The reasons are multifactorial: hormonal influences (estrogen can affect joint tissues and pain sensitivity), differences in pain perception and reporting, and higher rates of contributing factors like bruxism and stress-related jaw activity in women. Autoimmune and inflammatory tendencies, which are more common in women, can also play a role, as can psychosocial factors that affect symptom reporting and coping.

Because the data clearly indicate higher reporting among women, options representing male, nonbinary, or unknown groups don’t fit as well with the common pattern seen in TMJ epidemiology.