Which systemic condition is a known contributing factor to TMD?

• A. Rheumatoid arthritis
• B. Vitamin D deficiency
• C. Hypertension
• D. Migraine

Answer: (A)

The key idea is recognizing systemic diseases that can directly affect the jaw joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that targets synovial joints throughout the body, including the temporomandibular joint. When the TMJ is involved, inflammation of the joint tissues can produce pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, and over time may lead to joint damage or malocclusion. Because RA directly involves the joint architecture that underlies TMD, it stands out as a known contributing factor.

Vitamin D deficiency can cause bone health issues and generalized musculoskeletal pain, but it is not established as a specific driving factor for TMD. Hypertension is a cardiovascular condition with no direct causal link to TMJ dysfunction. Migraine can co-occur with TMD and amplify facial pain, but it does not inherently cause TMJ pathology.