Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) comprise a set of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, the muscles of mastication, and associated structures. They have a multifactorial etiology involving physical, functional, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, manifesting as pain, limited mandibular movement, joint sounds, and impaired quality of life. In this context, an interdisciplinary approach involving Dentistry and Physiotherapy can contribute to more comprehensive and individualized care. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the interdisciplinary role of Physiotherapy and Dentistry in the management of TMD, highlighting the contributions of each field and the possibilities for integrating interventions. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive literature review with a qualitative approach. The PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS/BVS, and PEDro databases were consulted using descriptors and terms related to TMD, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and interdisciplinary approaches. Articles published between 2020 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish were included. Following the selection process, 10 articles were included for qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Studies demonstrated that Dentistry plays a fundamental role in the assessment, diagnosis, and determination of management strategies regarding the stomatognathic system, while Physiotherapy contributes primarily to pain control, mandibular mobility, and functional recovery. Manual therapy and therapeutic exercises yielded favorable results in reducing pain and improving mouth opening. Combining dental and physiotherapeutic strategies showed potential for enhancing therapeutic benefits, although barriers regarding communication and professional referrals still exist. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary collaboration between Dentistry and Physiotherapy shows promise in the management of TMD, fostering individualized and comprehensive care. However, more robust studies with long-term follow-up are needed to strengthen the evidence regarding the benefits of this integration.