Medical history and physical exam for TM disorders

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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.

Credits

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Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Last Updated	January 24, 2008

Last updated:	January 24, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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