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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD or TMJD), also officially known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome and temporomandibular disorder among others, and colloquially referred to as TMJ and lockjaw (but this can also refer to other medical conditions with a locked jaw called trismus, including tetanus), is an umbrella term covering pain and dysfunction of the muscles of mastication (the muscles that move the jaw) and the temporomandibular joints (the joints which connect the mandible to the skull). The most important feature is pain, followed by restricted mandibular movement, and noises from the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) during jaw movement. Although TMD is not life-threatening, it can be detrimental to quality of life, because the symptoms can become chronic and difficult to manage. About 20% to 30% of the adult population are affected to some degree. Usually people affected by TMD are between 20 and 40 years of age, and it is more common in females than males. TMD is the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain after dental pain (i.e. toothache).

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