TMDs are a group of conditions affecting the joint and or the muscles of mastication.
TMDs consist of three main groups of conditions: myofascial pain; disc disorders; TMJ arthritides.
The gold standard diagnostic criteria for research involving TMDs are the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (RDC/TMD). A pragmatic clinically applicable alternative is the Clinical examination protocol for TMDs (CEP-TMD).
Signs and symptoms can include: pain in masticatory musculature and or the joint; noises associated with joint movements; locking; headache; otalgia.
TMDs' aetiology is multifactorial and biopsychosocial in nature.
Reversible conservative management as defined by the American Association of Dental Research is the initial management of choice for all subgroups of TMDs.
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