What are the three cardinal features of temporomandibular disorder?

• A. Headache, facial swelling, dental caries
• B. Orofacial pain, jaw dysfunction, joint noise
• C. Ear fullness and tinnitus
• D. Muscle spasm and jaw clenching

Answer: (B)

Temporomandibular disorder typically presents with three main features: orofacial pain, jaw dysfunction, and noises from the temporomandibular joint. Orofacial pain is the most common complaint and can involve the jaw muscles or the joint itself. Jaw dysfunction means a reduced range of motion, difficulty with chewing, or jaw locking/deviation during movement. Joint noises refer to clicking, popping, or crepitus heard during opening or closing the mouth, reflecting disc movement issues or joint changes.

This combination best fits the listed option, since it clearly states orofacial pain, jaw dysfunction, and joint noises. Other signs like headache, facial swelling, ear-related symptoms, or muscle clamping can occur with TMD but do not constitute the core triad used to define it.