RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The aetiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is presently considered to be multifactorial, and stress has been regarded as an important factor in their onset. Many studies have evaluated the importance of stress in TMD; however, only patients with TMD and stress have been assessed. This study aimed at evaluating signs and symptoms of TMD in stress-free patients. METHODS: The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 40 stress-free patients were evaluated during clinical examination and in MRI. RESULTS: The individuals lived in an area without electric power supply or telephone services. They worked in agriculture and fishery. 77.5% of the patients presented normal mandibular function; 70% presented normal mandibular trajectory; 61.25% did not present sounds in TMJ and 93.75% did not present joint pain during palpation. Image screening showed that 70% of TMJ presented normal disc position. Only one patient (1.25%) presented TMD. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of stress is a strong factor for the non-development of TMD.