What psychosocial factor commonly contributes to TMD?

• A. Stress
• B. Joy
• C. Relaxation
• D. Excitement

Answer: (A)

Stress is the psychosocial factor most commonly linked to TMD because chronic stress keeps the jaw muscles tense and promotes parafunctional behaviors like clenching and grinding. This sustained muscle activity strains the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles, leading to pain, tenderness, and limited movement. Stress also disrupts sleep and heightens pain perception, creating a cycle that sustains or worsens TMD symptoms. While emotions such as joy or excitement can momentarily affect muscle tone, they are not consistently associated with the development of chronic TMD, and relaxation tends to reduce risk and symptoms. Thus, stress best explains the connection to TMD.