If a
temporomandibular (TM) disorder is suspected, your
dentist or primary care doctor will ask you to describe:
- Your jaw pain, including how long you have had
it, whether you wake up with sore, stiff jaw muscles, and where you feel
pain.
- Any recent change in the way your teeth fit
together.
- Daily habits that may promote jaw pain-for example,
whether your pain gets worse when you clench your teeth, talk, chew, swallow,
or yawn.
- Injuries to your face.
- Whether stress at work
or at home may be causing muscle tension.
- Your past medical
history, including any conditions such as arthritis, and any previous dental
problems.
During a physical exam, your health professional may:
- Touch (palpate) points around your jaw joint and
move your jaw around.
- Check for pain and
tenderness.
- Use a stethoscope to check for clicking or popping
while your jaw is moving.
- Check for problems with swallowing, signs
of teeth grinding, and whether your jaw is locking.
- Use a ruler to
measure how wide you can open your jaw.
