What are the three cardinal features of TMD?

• A. Orofacial pain, jaw dysfunction, joint noise
• B. Orofacial pain, facial swelling, fever
• C. Jaw dysfunction, ear fullness, headaches
• D. Joint noise, swollen joints in hands

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the classic triad of signs that define temporomandibular disorder: pain in the jaw region, dysfunction of jaw movement, and sounds coming from the TMJ during movement. The option listing orofacial pain, jaw dysfunction, and joint noise fits this triad exactly. Pain reflects involvement of the masticatory muscles or the joint itself; jaw dysfunction covers reduced opening, deviation, and chewing difficulty; and joint noise refers to clicking or crepitus as the joint moves. While headaches or a sensation of ear fullness can accompany TMD, they aren’t the defining trio. Fever or facial swelling usually points to infection or another inflammatory condition rather than a primary TMD. So this combination best represents the cardinal features.