When you visit your healthcare provider for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, they will review your history and symptoms. They may ask you about:

• whether your ability to open and close your mouth has changed
• past injuries to your head, neck, or jaw
• sore teeth
  
• current stress levels and life satisfaction

Using a symptom tracker (PDF) can help you answer these questions.

Other things to tell your healthcare provider

You are the most important part of your healthcare team. Tell your healthcare provider about the impact the TMJ dysfunction is having on the things that are important to you, like your job, hobbies and interests, and relationships. Tell them what activities your TMJ dysfunction is affecting, like eating, drinking, and talking.

Making the most of your appointment

If you don't understand what your healthcare team is telling you, let them know right away. Be open and honest. You might say:

• “It sounded like you said that I should… Did I understand that correctly?"
• “Can you show me a picture or model to help me understand?"

Learn more about working with your healthcare team and making the most of your appointment.​​