Objective: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of heterogeneous pathological conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), mastication muscles, and some associated structures. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of signs and symptoms of dysfunction, including knowledge of TMD in a stratum of the population.
Methods: A population extract from Rio de Janeiro subdivided by conglomerates was interviewed through an online form.
Results: The results showed that only 19% of the participants had no symptoms related to TMD.
Conclusion: The results showed that the symptom prevalence is directly related to knowledge and practices about the disorder and that its presence may be under-reported.
Keywords: Temporomandibular joint disorders; prevalence; public health; temporomandibular disorder syndrome; understanding.