Early Detection Matters: Why TMD Screening Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
“Studies suggest that up to 12% of the U.S. population is affected by TMD, with many cases going undiagnosed until symptoms become chronic or disabling”
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, often leading to pain, dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Despite being one of the most common causes of non-dental facial pain, TMD is frequently overlooked in routine dental or medical exams. Studies suggest that up to 12% of the U.S. population is affected by TMD, with many cases going undiagnosed until symptoms become chronic or disabling [1].
Patients often see multiple providers before getting appropriate help and may be misdiagnosed and overtreated for dental problems such as cracked teeth, sinus problems, neuralgias, salivary gland disorders etc. In fact, one of my favorite lecture topics for dentists and dental students and hygienists is, "It's not always a cracked tooth", which describes TMD and other orofacial pain disorders as causes of non-dental pain. Similarly for medical students and professionals like ENT surgeons and neurologists, and others, one of my favorite lecture topics for them is titled "It's not always Trigeminal Neuralgia (or Atypical Otalgia)".
Screening tools such as questionnaires that include components of the DC/TMD Axis I protocol have been validated for quick use in general dental and primary care settings [2,3].
A questionnaire can be as simple as follows that you as a patient can yourself or as a provider you can ask your patients:
Do you experience pain in your temples, face, jaw, or in or around the ear?
Do you notice any jaw joint clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth?
Do you have difficulty or discomfort when opening your mouth wide?
For patients experiencing symptoms longer than 2–4 weeks, or with impaired function, a referral for full diagnostic evaluation is recommended.
Screening doesn’t mean diagnosing, it means catching red flags early. Whether you’re a dentist, physician, or a patient curious about jaw discomfort, recognizing the signs of TMD can lead to timely, conservative care and prevent long-term pain.
References
[1] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2021). Prevalence of TMJD and its signs and symptoms.
[2] Lövgren A et al. (2016). A 3-question screening for TMD in general dental practice. J Am Dent Assoc, 147(11):873–881.
[3] Schiffman E et al. (2014). Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). J Oral Facial Pain Headache, 28(1):6–27.
