Utilisation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Temporomandibular Disorders: Insights From Southeast Asian Patients

ABSTRACT Objectives This study is the first to explore the utilisation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among Southeast Asian temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. It examined specific CAM modalities, usage patterns, satisfaction, perceived effectiveness and the factors associated with CAM use for TMDs. Methods Participants were recruited from a multidisciplinary TMD clinic, with diagnoses established using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD). Socio‐demographic information, TMD features, psychological status and details of CAM therapies, including usage patterns, were obtained. Satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of CAM modalities were assessed with Likert scales. Data were analysed using Chi‐square/non‐parametric tests and logistic regression ( α  = 0.05). Results Among the 110 participants, 30.0% did not use CAM, while 70% did, with approximately three‐fifths of CAM users applying it for TMDs. Of the latter group, 77.8% employed two or more CAM modalities, with 77.9% of CAM therapies acting as the sole treatment for TMDs. The three most frequently used CAM therapies for TMDs were massage (55.6%), vitamins/dietary supplements (40.0%) and chiropractic care (24.4%). Participants found the following CAM therapies to be both satisfying and effective for TMDs: acupressure, chiropractic care, massage, yoga and meditation. Malay participants were more likely than their Chinese counterparts to utilise CAM for TMDs (OR = 8.18; 95% CI = 1.13–59.29). Conclusions The utilisation of CAM in Southeast TMD patients was high, with 40.9% using it for TMDs. Race appears to be the sole determinant associated with CAM use for TMDs, suggesting the influence of ethno‐cultural factors.