Should I talk to my doctor about my temporomandibular disorder symptoms?

If you have frequent headaches, earaches, tender jaw muscles, dull, aching facial pain or feel like your jaw locks or strays to one side when you open your mouth, you could be suffering from TMD. These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, and the muscles that work to move the joint. These painful conditions are called TMD for temporomandibular disorders.

TMD can have many different signs and symptoms that range in severity. Some patients may experience symptoms without any apparent loss of function. To determine how best to treat your condition, a thorough evaluation is recommended. Your dentist may check the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history may be reviewed, so it's important to keep your dental records up-to-date. Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a model of your teeth to see how your bite fits together. Your dentist may also request specialized x-rays for the TM joints.

Yes, especially if are experiencing pain, which is a primary symptom of many temporomandibular disorders. You should see a doctor so that a diagnosis can be made and the source of the pain can be addressed. Additionally, TMD may be caused by an underlying physical issue, like arthritis or jaw dislocation. Discussing the issue with your doctor will help lead to a diagnosis and treatment plan.