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Warning-sign checks

Temporomandibular (TM) disorders: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help after a major facial injury if there is heavy bleeding, severe deformity, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

    Breathing or swallowing difficulty with rapidly increasing swelling is also an emergency.

    Sudden facial weakness, difficulty speaking, or weakness in an arm or leg is not a typical TMD symptom and requires emergency assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Prompt assessment is appropriate if your jaw becomes locked open or closed, you develop notable facial swelling or fever, or symptoms begin after an injury.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine dental or medical assessment if pain lasts for more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with eating, sleep, work, or school.

    You should also seek assessment for repeated locking, steadily reduced movement, or a new change in how your teeth meet.

    These problems may need treatment for a dislocation, fracture, infection, or another condition rather than routine TMD care.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Temporomandibular (TM) disorders. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.