Are you feeling a sharp pain or hearing a clicking sound when open your mouth wide? Enter the 3-finger test for TMJ, a straightforward way to examine jaw conditions. You don’t need to be in doubt anymore after this quick test. Let’s study What is the 3 finger test for TMJ?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder(TMJ)
TMJ disorder refers to various conditions that affect the functionality of the temporomandibular joint, which connects your skull and jaw.it is one of the complex joints that plays a crucial role in chewing, yawning, speaking, and other daily actions. When this joint gets damaged it results in TMJ disorder. Its common signs include:
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Excessive jaw pain
- Headaches
- Ear, Neck, or shoulder discomfort.
What is the 3 finger test for TMJ?
3 finger test for TMJ is an easy and quick self-assessment method that confirms whether you have TMJ illness or not. This test is very simple and you can do it without any practitioner as well. TMJ finger test is not a diagnostic tool on its own however it is a great indicator that there might be something wrong in your jaw.
How to do the 3-finger test?
This assessment can be carried out in the following three steps as tabularized below::
Steps | Description |
1 | Open Your mouth as wide as possible- naturally, don’t force it. |
2 | Stack your index, middle, and ring fingers together. |
3 | Try to Fit these three fingers in your mouth vertically between the upper and lower front teeth. |
What are the possible results?
After carrying out the above process following results can be drawn:
- If you can fit your fingers comfortably into your mouth and your mouth’s normal opening is about 40-50 millimeters then your jaw conditions are good and you have no TMJ disorder.
- If your fingers can’t fit properly or feel pain while doing so probably you have a TMJ issue. This signals the following issues :
- Inflammation or swelling in the joint pain.
- Teeth or jaw misalignment issues
- Muscle tension or tightness from stress or overuse.
- You need instant TMJ disorder treatment.
Let’s make your smile pain free-Book a Consultation!
Let’s tackle TMJ together! If you are searching for a personalized care for TMJ or want to learn more about this test; our qualified practitioners at Enfield Royal Clinic are here to explain What is the 3-finger test for TMJ? Don’t waste this golden opportunity and Book your appointment with us now!
FAQs
How to test for TMJ at Home?
You can follow the steps for the 3-finger test for TMJ; stack your three fingers and insert them into your mouth.
How to manage TMJ pain?
You can manage your jaw pain by applying a cold or hot compress, practicing gentle jaw exercises, adopting a teeth-friendly diet, improving posture, and managing stress, You can also utilize over-the-counter medicines for this discomfort.
Is it possible to treat TMJ without surgery?
Yes most of the therapies available for this condition are without surgery
Are there any other testing methods available for TMJ?
Other diagnostic methods to asses TMI are:
- Jaw Range of Motion Test
- Dental X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), etc