Disfunção temporomandibular: aspectos etiológicos, diagnóstico e abordagens terapêuticas — uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) comprise a group of clinical conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and associated structures, representing an important cause of orofacial pain and functional impairment. Their etiology is considered multifactorial, involving interactions among biomechanical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors, which makes their diagnosis and treatment relevant challenges in dental practice. Objective: To analyze the main aspects related to temporomandibular disorders, with emphasis on etiological factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches, highlighting the importance of an individualized and multidisciplinary approach. Methodology: This is a narrative literature review conducted through searches in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, and ScienceDirect databases, using descriptors related to temporomandibular disorders, temporomandibular joint, orofacial pain, diagnosis, and treatment. Studies published between 2019 and 2026 in Portuguese and English were prioritized, covering aspects related to the etiology, diagnosis, and management of TMDs. Results: The findings indicate that TMDs have a multifactorial etiology, involving anatomical, muscular, articular, parafunctional, and psychosocial factors, particularly stress, anxiety, and factors associated with pain chronicity. Clinical diagnosis, combined with the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), represents an important tool for identifying physical alterations and psychosocial aspects associated with the condition. Conservative and reversible therapeutic strategies, including patient education, self-care, physical therapy, behavioral management, and the judicious use of occlusal splints, are relevant for pain control and improvement of mandibular function. Conclusion: Temporomandibular disorders have a multifactorial nature and require careful diagnosis and individualized treatment. The adoption of conservative strategies combined with a multidisciplinary approach is relevant for symptom control, functional recovery, and improvement of patients’ quality of life.