Which structures work together?
The jaw joints and chewing muscles work together to move the lower jaw. CMD covers different symptoms and functional disorders within this system.
← All explanationsCraniomandibular dysfunction (CMD)
Is CMD the same as teeth grinding?
CMD stands for craniomandibular dysfunction. It refers to symptoms and functional disorders involving the jaw joints and chewing muscles. Teeth grinding can be associated with it, but is not the same thing. Assessment requires a medical history and examination.
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Joints and muscles work together
Two jaw joints and the chewing muscles allow the lower jaw to move. CMD is an umbrella term for different problems within this functional system.
A sound alone is not a diagnosis
Pain, restricted movement or locking can be reasons for assessment. Painless clicking alone is common and does not automatically indicate a disorder requiring treatment.
The examination guides the next steps
Symptoms, their course and jaw movement are assessed together. Different measures may be appropriate depending on the findings. A splint is neither always necessary nor a guaranteed solution.
At a glance
Does every click need treatment?
Painless clicking alone does not automatically mean a disorder needing treatment. Pain, locking or restricted movement are reasons for assessment.
How is the next step decided?
Symptoms, their course and movement are examined together. Measures depend on the findings; a splint is not always necessary.
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Often confused
CMD or bruxism?
CMD concerns symptoms and functional problems. Bruxism is chewing-muscle activity, such as clenching or grinding. The terms are not synonyms.
Quick answers
Does everyone with bruxism also have CMD?
No. Bruxism describes chewing-muscle activity such as clenching or grinding. CMD describes symptoms or functional disorders; the two can occur together.
Is the bite always to blame?
No. Different factors can contribute to CMD. Tooth contacts alone do not reliably explain symptoms or automatically justify changing the bite.
What is helpful to prepare for the consultation?
Note when and where symptoms occur, what makes them worse and whether movement is restricted. This information alone is not enough for a diagnosis.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which findings could explain my symptoms, and which initial measures would suit them?
Function is part of her planning alongside tooth preservation and appearance. The starting points are your concerns and a careful examination.
You can discuss discomfort when chewing, opening your mouth or moving your jaw at an appointment.
Arrange an assessment of jaw symptomsChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Chewing muscles
- Muscles that move the lower jaw and produce forces during chewing.
- Myalgia
- Muscle pain; in CMD, the chewing muscles may be affected.
- Arthralgia
- Joint pain; in the context of CMD, this may mean pain in the jaw joint.
Know the difference
A joint sound is a finding, not a complete diagnosis. Assessment considers pain, function, the course of symptoms and other possible causes, among other factors.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 22 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.