Publication

Abstract :

The American Academy of Orofacial Pain has defined temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) as “a collective term that embraces a number of clinical problems that involve the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the associated structures”. Temporomandibular disorders are the commonest reasons for orofacial pain of non-dental origin. The TMDs are characterized by clinical signs such as muscle and/or TMJ tenderness; TMJ sounds (clicking, popping, or grating) while opening or closing the mouth or while chewing; and mouth deviation, restriction, or deflection while mouth opening or closing. The sum or exacerbation of these signs and symptoms eventually limits or even disables individuals from performing their physiological activities.