Temporomandibular disorders ( TMD) cover a range of clinical problems that compromise the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles or both. They are characterized by a set of signs and symptoms, among which the most relevant is the acute or chronic pain. The objective of this research is to synthesize information related to orofacial pain caused by the presence of temporomandibular disorders, which often go unnoticed for lack of a complete and detail clinical examination that includes the study of ATM leading to disorders in relations labor and social, consequently resulting in a decrease in quality of life. Regarding the etiology of TMD, the literature refers to its multifactorial etiology, where it mentions the role of bio psychosocial factors in the development and maintenance of signs and symptoms present as well as predisposing factors, such as stress, anxiety, degenerative arthritis and parafunctional habits, on which initiating and perpetuating factors act. Regarding the treatment, evidencereflects that it should be aimed in the first instance to painrelief, being possible to apply multimodal therapies implyingpreservation and maintenance of the role of ATM. The TMD to be successfully treated due to its etiology, require multidisciplinary care involving psychologists, neurologists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons and other specialists.
