Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance, applicability, and real-world utility of a validated digital screening tool for early identification of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) risk in Colombian and Mexican adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter study included 429 adults (299 Mexico, 130 Colombia) who completed a standardized digital application assessing joint pain, bruxism, mandibular locking, joint sounds, parafunctional habits, trauma history, and emotional factors. TMD risk was classified using a composite digital score into low, moderate, or high categories, emphasizing that the tool measures participants' risk classification and internal construct consistency rather than population prevalence or causal risk factors. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD, frequencies %) and effect sizes (Cohen's d, Cramér's V) were calculated. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of high TMD risk. RESULTS: Mean age was 29.9 ± 13.3 years in Mexico and 28.8 ± 10.8 in Colombia (p = 0.35, d = 0.09). Diurnal bruxism (OR = 12.43), joint pain (OR = 7.73), mandibular locking (OR = 4.98), other parafunctional habits (OR = 4.61), nocturnal bruxism (OR = 3.34), fatigue during mastication (OR = 2.84), history of trauma (OR = 3.40), and female sex (OR = 3.42) were independent predictors of high TMD risk, demonstrating the tool's capability to identify key risk patterns consistently across countries. CONCLUSION: The digital screening tool effectively stratified TMD risk in a multicenter, real-world setting, highlighting its potential for early identification, population-based screening, and clinical implementation in diverse Latin American populations. Indicators classified as high-risk were observed more frequently among women and younger adults.