The temporomandibular joint apparatus includes the mandibular condylar process, glenoid fossa, the meniscus, the articular ligaments and the associated musculature. An apt function of the bilateral joints is considered only when all the structures work in harmony. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a consequence of disharmony in the function or inappropriate synchrony in the components of one or both the joint(s) resulting in pain and dysfunction in the joint and the related soft tissues. Studying the epidemiology of TMDs is essential considering, its multifactorial aetiology, age variations, sex predilection for early diagnosis and appropriate intervention for the disorder which may prevent disease progression and restoring function of the joint(s). It always remains important to distinguish intra-articular causes from extra-articular painful conditions.

Collecting data from various epidemiological studies involving Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (RDC/TMD), presence of TMDs is very rare in infants and children. These are more prevalent in adolescence and adulthood and the incidence is more with the increasing age, predominantly occurring between 20 to 40 years of age. Stress, emotional disorders, psychosocial factors and somatic complaints play a major role in the aetiology of TMDs; hence it is more prevalent in young adults. In practicality, females exhibit a marginally higher prevalence than males. Few studies reveal the presence of female reproductive hormones i.e., estrogen and progesterone receptors in the intra-articular cartilage that are held responsible for the higher incidence of TMDs in young females. Decreased estrogen modulates the effect on properties of ion channels in neurons of the joint result in pain and discomfort in the joint. Other factors which have a lower incidence affecting the joints include rheumatic/ psoriatic arthritis, benign tumors of the condyle and septic arthritis contributing to TMDs.

Understanding of the multifactorial aetiology which includes stress, psychosocial and emotional component affecting young adults in this advancing or fast altering society with cultural changes in the world, demands early diagnosis for efficient intervention and thus preventing worsening of the disease. The delay in diagnosis resulting in advanced TMDs, require complex extensive interventions with limited room for minimally invasive or conservative therapy.

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