Several instruments for assessing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are available in literature, such as indices, questionnaires, protocols, scales, and diagnostic criteria. The purpose of this study, divided into two parts, was to characterise main tools available for TMD evaluation, so as to offer both researchers and clinicians guiding information on instrument selection according to their clinical or research needs. Two clinical indices and three (anamnestic and functional) questionnaires are presented here in part I; and, in part II, one functional questionnaire and two diagnostic criteria. Indices consist of organised forms for assigning scores to signs and symptoms thus obtaining severity degrees. Questionnaires are better employed for epidemiological purposes. Functional questionnaires are better used to estimate impact of TMD on daily life activities. There are few specific sets of systematised diagnostic criteria available for diagnosing TMD. The use of either tool depends on its applicability and on the user's purposes.
Evaluation; Questionnaires; Severity of illness index; Temporomandibular joint disorders
