Publication trends on temporomandibular disorders: a bibliometric analysis

Aim. To synthesize and analyze citation performance in the field of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and address innovative methods to improve research in this field. Methods. A structured search of the Scopus database was performed using Boolean operators and relevant keywords, including “temporomandibular disorder” and its variations. Only English written articles were included. Data was processed and analyzed using R-Studio for statistical operations and VOSviewer for visualizing bibliometric networks. Key parameters assessed included annual publication trends, authorship patterns, institutional output, keyword co-occurrence, and international collaborations. Comprehensive data cleaning was applied to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data. Results. The dataset included 6,269 articles, revealing a substantial increase in TMD-related research, particularly from the year 2000 onwards. The most significant publication peak was observed in 2024, with 485 articles. Leading journals included Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Cranio, and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The University of São Paulo was the top contributing institution, followed by Sichuan and Peking Universities. Prolific authors such as Lobbezoo, Manfredini, and Svensson were identified as key contributors. Brazil, USA, and China emerged as the top publishing countries, though international collaborations remained modest (17.39%). Keywords like “female,” “adult,” “temporomandibular joint disorder,” and “pathophysiology” dominated the literature, while keyword trend analysis revealed a shift from diagnostic terms to themes involving “pain,” “myofascial dysfunction,” and “treatment outcomes”. Conclusion. TMD research has grown substantially in volume and scope in recent decades. While key institutions and authors have driven progress, limited international collaboration highlights opportunities for stronger global partnerships. This bibliometric profile provides a valuable resource for guiding future research directions, encouraging more integrated, interdisciplinary, and patient-centered approaches in the study and management of TMD.