The TMJ dysfunction syndrome has been defined as the presence of one or more of the following symptoms : (a) pain and tenderness in the region of the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ; (b) sounds during condylar movements ; (c) limitation of mandibular movement, etc. In addition, the absence of organic changes in the TMJ is evident. This report is an epidemiological study, the purpose of which is to better understand the prevalence of the symptoms of the TMJ dysfunction syndrome and to aim at systematizing dental care for Nepali people. The subjects were 220 children aged 5-18 years (109 boys and 111 girls). The results obtained were as follows : 1. The incidence of TMJ sounds occurred in 13 children (5.9%)-5 boys (4.6%) and 8 girls (7.2%)-no significant difference was found between boys and girls. 2. The incidence of pain in the region of TMJ occurred in 5 children (2.3%)-1 boy (0.9%) and 4 girls (3.6%)-no significant difference was found between boys and girls. 3. The incidence of the limitation of mandibular movement occurred in 2 children (0.9%)-1 boy (1.8%) and 1 girl (0.9%)-no significant difference was found between boys and girls. 4. The incidence of the TMJ dysfunctin syndrome occurred in 17 children (7.7%)-6 boys (5.5%) and 11 girls (9.9%)-no significant difference was found between boys and girls. 5. The most frequently occurring symptom of this syndrome was the singular one of TMJ sounds.
