Additive effects of different stressors on temporomandibular disorders

A review of dental literature has been made on the etiologies of Temporomandibular dysfunction (TM). Many authors have given different explanations for TM dysfunction and recommended different treatment modalities for it. There has been considerable diversity of opinion concerning the etiology and proper treatment in both dentistry and medicine.TM dysfunction is often multifactorial in nature and may require expertise from several different professional fields for its successful treatment. This paper presents a model which explains the additive effects of different stressors that contribute to Temporomandibular disease. As more and more stressors are added to a patient's life, the patient becomes more and more likely to develop symptoms. Successful TM treatment requires the identification and elimination of as many contributing factors as possible. This paper gives an explanation of the theory, discusses some stressors, and presents a rationale for the conservative treatment of Temporomandibular disorders. There has been much investigation into and discussion of the etiology of and appropriate treatment modalities for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Many different theories of etiology have been brought forward and have much value for the practitioner and patient. There is considerable diversity of opinion as to primary causative factors and, therefore, the most appropriate treatment. It is widely accepted that Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are multifactorial. The significance of the phrase "multifactorial etiology" may not be fully appreciated by some. This lack of appreciation is suggested from the significant polarization in dentistry and medicine concerning the etiology and appropriate treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD). Following is an explanation that. might unite different groups in dentistry and medicine into a more complete understanding of Temporomandibular Disorders.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)