PUBLIC INTEREST IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS AND OROFACIAL PAIN IN BRAZIL: A GOOGLE TRENDS STUDY

PUBLIC INTEREST IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS AND OROFACIAL PAIN IN BRAZIL: A GOOGLE TRENDS STUDY

Authors

  • IARA PETRATO BRUCK HONORIO DA SILVA UFPB
  • Arthur Marques Andrade
  • Matheus Harllen Gonçalves Veríssimo
  • Tiago João da Silva Filho
  • Wallace Felipe Blohem Pessoa
  • Adriano Francisco Alves

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17695/rcsne.vol24.n1.p84-96

Keywords:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Craniomandibular Disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome; Infodemiology.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze temporal trends and search behavior related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain in Brazil from 2004 to 2024 using Google Trends data. This quantitative, descriptive, and analytical infodemiological study was based on monthly time-series data extracted from Google Trends between January 2004 and October 2025. Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software (v.2.7; R v.4.5), applying linear regression, ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation tests. A total of 32 terms were selected based on lay and popular expressions associated with painful, functional, and behavioral manifestations of TMD and were organized into six thematic groups. For each group, a composite monthly index was calculated from the weighted mean of relative search volumes (RSV). Five of the six groups showed a significant upward trend over the study period (p < 0.001), particularly those related to jaw pain, functional limitation, and bruxism, whereas the cervical and craniofacial pain group remained stable (p = 0.780). Correlations among the groups were positive and strong, with no evidence of seasonality (p < 0.001). It is concluded that TMD represent a relevant public health issue that drives individuals to seek information about pain and functional limitations through digital platforms, and that Google Trends is a valuable tool for understanding public interest and supporting communication, education, and oral health surveillance strategies.

Published

2026-09-04

How to Cite

PETRATO BRUCK HONORIO DA SILVA, I., Arthur Marques Andrade, Matheus Harllen Gonçalves Veríssimo, Tiago João da Silva Filho, Wallace Felipe Blohem Pessoa, & Adriano Francisco Alves. (2026). PUBLIC INTEREST IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS AND OROFACIAL PAIN IN BRAZIL: A GOOGLE TRENDS STUDY: PUBLIC INTEREST IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS AND OROFACIAL PAIN IN BRAZIL: A GOOGLE TRENDS STUDY. Revista De Ciências Da Saúde Nova Esperança, 24(1), 84–96. https://doi.org/10.17695/rcsne.vol24.n1.p84-96

Issue

Section

Ciências da Saúde/Artigo Original

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