Researchers Propose TMD Definition for GBD

Consensus description may support inclusion in Global Burden of Disease estimates.

By
Kathryn Wighton
March 23, 2026
3 min

MDSpire News

Objective:

To develop a standardized lay description for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) to improve their representation in Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates.

Approach:

Key Findings:

TMDs affect approximately one in ten adults and impair oral function and quality of life.
No existing lay descriptions adequately captured the characteristics of painful TMDs.
The proposed lay description includes specific pain locations and characteristics.
TMD severity was categorized into mild, moderate, and severe based on pain duration, intensity, and frequency.

Interpretation:

Accurate lay descriptions are crucial for estimating disability weights, which can influence the perceived burden of TMDs in global health metrics.

Limitations:

The consensus process did not follow a formal Delphi methodology.
Participants may not have fully represented all professions, regions, or cultural perspectives.
Discussions were conducted in English, potentially affecting wording and interpretation.

Conclusion:

This work is an initial step towards quantifying painful TMDs in GBD estimates, highlighting the need for future studies that incorporate patient perspectives.