How does someone know if they have TMJ? It can be easy to read about symptoms and relate to them. So how can people who are concerned about potentially having a TMJ disorder decide if their concerns constitute a doctor visit?

Things like headaches, jaw, neck, and back pain are common enough and don’t necessarily have to share a common source, which is what makes TMJ tricky and so important to get ahead of early. Tackling one issue (TMJ) and seeing health benefits all over your body is a huge relief for many patients. Thankfully, Dr. Buck has compiled a TMJ self-examination checklist for patients to look over and consider before scheduling an appointment.

TMJ Self-Examination Checklist

Patients considering whether they suffer from TMJ can reflect on and ask themselves a few questions to better understand where they stand.

• Jaw Symptoms
  • Do you have a grating, clicking, or popping sound in either or both jaw joints when you open your mouth or chew?
  • Do you have pain or soreness in any of the following areas: jaw joints, upper jaw or teeth, lower jaw or teeth, side of neck, back of head, forehead, behind eyes, temples, tongue, or chewing muscles?
  • Is it hard to move your jaw from side to side, or forward and back?
  • Do you have difficulty chewing your food?
  • Does your jaw deviate to the left or right when you open wide?
• Tongue Symptoms
  • Are there imprints of your teeth on the side of your tongue?
  • Does your tongue go between your front teeth when you swallow?
• Injury History
  • Have you ever had a whiplash injury?
  • Have you ever worn a cervical collar or had neck traction?
  • Have you ever experienced a blow to the chin, face, or head?
• Ear Symptoms
  • Do you have sensations of stuffiness, pressure, or blockage in your ears?
  • Do your ears produce excessive wax?
  • Do you ever have a ringing, roaring, hissing, or buzzing sound in your ears?
• Patient History
  • Have you ever had braces?
  • Do you have any missing back teeth?
  • Have you had any extensive dental crowns and bridgework?
  • Do you clench your teeth during the day or night?
  • Do you grind your teeth at night?
  • Does chewing gum start your symptoms?

Additional Exercises to Try

• Are you unable to comfortably insert your first three fingers vertically into your mouth when it is opened wide?
• Is it painful, or is there soreness when you press on your jaw joints or the cheek just below them?
• Is it painful to stick your little finger into your ears with your mouth open wide and then close your mouth while pressing forward with those fingers? (It sounds strange, but try it.)

TMJ Treatment in Lynnwood, WA

Have you reached the point where prescription drugs no longer relieve your symptoms? If you answered yes to four or more of the above and experienced a pain level of five or higher, you may be suffering from TMJ. Call Dr. Buck at (425) 361-0715 today or visit our contact page here.