Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are multifactorial conditions in which environmental,
behavioral, host-related, and temporal factors interact in complex ways. When these influences
accumulate and exceed an individual’s physiological tolerance, TMDs are thought to develop.
Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation̶including medical interviews, physical
examinations, and diagnostic testing̶to identify multiple risk factors specific to each patient.
Treatment should begin with patient education to ensure understanding of the condition and the
importance of self-care, including behavioral modification and lifestyle guidance, in addition to
clinician-administered therapies. TMDs generally exhibit a favorable natural course (self-limiting
disease) with a tendency toward gradual spontaneous remission. Given this characteristic,
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are multifactorial conditions in which environmental, behavioral, host-related, and temporal factors interact in complex ways. When these influences accumulate and exceed an individual’s physiological tolerance, TMDs are thought to develop. Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation̶including medical interviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic testing̶to identify multiple risk factors specific to each patient. Treatment should begin with patient education to ensure understanding of the condition and the importance of self-care, including behavioral modification and lifestyle guidance, in addition to clinician-administered therapies. TMDs generally exhibit a favorable natural course (self-limiting disease) with a tendency toward gradual spontaneous remission. Given this characteristic, invasive and irreversible treatments̶such as occlusal treatments̶should be avoided as a general rule. Instead, initial treatment should prioritize conservative and reversible approaches, including physical therapy, pharmacologic management, and the use of oral appliances.
