What is an important step in the history to assess TMD risk factors?

• A. Check family income
• B. Measure blood pressure
• C. Assess parafunctional habits (bruxism, clenching), stress, sleep disturbances, orthodontic history, prior trauma, occlusal wear.
• D. Evaluate only dental caries

Answer: (C)

In taking a history for TMD, focus on factors that directly load the jaw and reflect muscle activity and bite mechanics. Parafunctional habits like bruxism and clenching, along with stress and sleep disturbances, often drive muscle hyperactivity and pain. A patient’s orthodontic history, prior trauma, and signs of occlusal wear can reveal changes in bite and TMJ function that predispose to TMD or worsen its symptoms. Identifying these elements helps gauge risk and guides preventive and therapeutic steps, such as reducing parafunctional activity and addressing sleep quality. General items like family income or routine blood pressure aren’t specific indicators of TMD risk factors in the history, and focusing only on dental caries misses the key risk cues for TMD.