Background/objectives: Currently, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 34% of the global population. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of TMDs in the year 2050. A secondary objective was to estimate the prevalence for the years 2030, 2075, and 2100.

Methods: The methodology of a prognostic study was replicated and adapted to develop prevalence projections for TMDs, utilising the most recent meta-analysis of the global prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and analyses conducted within the R environment.

Results: Projections indicate a gradual increase in the global prevalence of TMDs over the coming decades. In 2030, the estimated prevalence is 39% (95% confidence interval: 34-44%). This figure is expected to rise to 41% [36-46%] by 2040 and reach 44% [39-49%] by 2050. The upward trend continues, with projections suggesting a prevalence of 47% [42-52%] in 2075 and 49% [44-54%] by 2100. These data highlight a steadily increasing global burden of TMDs.

Conclusions: By the year 2050, the global prevalence of TMDs is projected to reach 44%, which, according to estimates, corresponds to approximately 4,252,160,000 individuals. By 2030, 39% of the population is projected to experience TMDs. By 2075, the global TMD prevalence is expected to rise to 47%, and, by 2100, it could increase further to 49% of the global population. Urbanisation affects TMD prevalence in a region-dependent manner; a significant decrease was observed in Asia, while, in the Americas and Europe, the association was negligible. Globally, the lack of a clear impact of urbanisation on TMD occurrence suggests the influence of environmental and cultural factors.

The author declares no conflicts of interest.