Medical expert of the article
New publications
Temporomandibular joint disorders
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The term "temporomandibular joint disorders" is a collective term for conditions of dysfunction in the jaw joint area or pain of the jaw and face, usually in or around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including the masticatory and other head and neck muscles, fascia, or both. A person is diagnosed with a temporomandibular joint disorder when pain or limitation of motion is severe enough to warrant professional evaluation.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint are usually multifactorial, but most often involve abnormal movement of the condylar process in the glenoid fossa or around the cartilaginous articular disc. This disc, shaped like a doughnut with closed holes or a mature red blood cell, serves as a cushion between the surfaces of the joint. Causes of abnormal movement in the joint include clenching and chewing teeth, trauma, arthritis, malocclusion, and tooth loss. Even trauma from chronic chewing gum can be enough to cause joint damage.
Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders must be distinguished from many conditions that may mimic them. Pain caused by finger pressure on the joint while the mouth is open indicates temporomandibular joint disorder.
The patient is asked to describe the nature of the pain and its zones are determined. The occipital muscles and each group of masticatory muscles involved in chewing (grinding food) are palpated until general tenderness is felt and trigger points (points from which pain radiates to other areas) are determined. The patient is asked to open the mouth as wide as possible without discomfort. When the patient opens and closes the mouth, the central incisors (normally in the midline) of the upper and lower jaws deviate from the midline, the midline of the lower jaw usually shifts toward the pain. Palpation and auscultation of the joint during opening and closing the mouth may reveal tenderness, delay, clicking or rustling. The movements of the condylar process are better palpated if the 5th finger of the hand is placed in the external auditory canal, exerting light pressure during movement in the joint.
[ What do need to examine?
How to examine?