Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children - Clinical examination and treatment

Temporomandibular disorders involve the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint, causing pain and difficulty in chewing. These disorders are not common in children and adolescents, but it is necessary to know the signs and symptoms to be able to identify them.

Diagnosis is through clinical and radiographic examinations, and treatment aims to eliminate pain, improve chewing, and reduce risk factors. In some cases, treatment is multidisciplinary.

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The article recommends how to perform a clinical examination and recognize the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in children, as well as offering treatment options in pediatric patients.

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American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Acquired temporomandibular disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2021:426-34.

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What causes jaw pain?

Jaw pain is generally caused by a malfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and is revealed when the patient has pain when chewing or yawning.

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But TMD can have other types of symptoms, such as facial muscle pain, headache, and teeth grinding. It is important to be evaluated in time to avoid more serious consequences.

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We shared a video from the Colgate US YouTube channel, where he explains what a TMJ is and what causes jaw pain.

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Source: Youtube/ Colgate US

Is there a relationship between headache and temporomandibular disorder?

Headache is one of the most common ills in society, and in some cases it is associated with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The article that we share this time carries out a study of the relationship between headaches and TMD.

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Temporomandibular dysfunction is evidenced by sharp pain in the temporomandibular joint and the chewing muscles. These pains can increase over time if it is not treated in time.

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In conclusion, the findings from this review and the two reported cases suggest that TMD encompasses a collection of clinical entities that are often very painful and disabling, with a major contribution of headache to patient symptoms.

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However, they are self-limiting and generally respond to conservative therapy. Basic management strategies for pain control and restoration of the range of motion can decrease the level of disability and often contribute to relief from primary headaches.



° Abouelhuda, A. M., Kim, H. S., Kim, S. Y., & Kim, Y. K. (2017). Association between headache and temporomandibular disorder. Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 43(6), 363–367. https://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2017.43.6.363

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What Are The Causes Of TMJ Related Headaches?

The articulation of the jaw with the skull base is known as TMJ, and it can suffer a series of alterations, these are known as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).

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The chewing muscles and the joint are affected by TMD, and it prevents various actions such as: talking, yawning, eating and even breathing. Headache is another symptom of TMD.

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Treatment for TMD may consist of medication, massage to the affected area, and use of occlusal splints. Go to your trusted dentist for an evaluation and treatment.

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Source: Youtube/ Priya Mistry, DDS - the TMJ doc
Image: Institute for Advanced Reconstruction

Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in children

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a disabling condition of mastication in which the condylar movement is limited by a mechanical problem in the joint (true ankylosis) or a mechanical cause not related to the joint components (false ankylosis).

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In children, trauma is identifi ed as the main cause of TMJ ankylosis (57-63%). The other etiological factors are infections, rheumatoid arthritis, hypoparathyroidism, psoriasis, and burns.

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Ankylosis in children can have a tremendous effect on physical and psychological well-being due to restricted mouth opening, inability to chew food, and poor oral hygiene. Due to growth deformity, the child may become shy and reclusive and have a low self-esteem. Trauma to TMJ in early childhood can affect the growth potential of the mandible.

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Any traumatic injury to the joint, if left unnoticed and untreated immediately can cause loss of growth and function resulting in muscle and bone atrophy and subsequently micrognathia, microgenia, and retrognathia.



Shetty, Priya & Thomas, Ann & Sowmya, Bhykani. (2014). Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in children. Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 32. 266-70. 10.4103/0970-4388.135848.

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How to Reduce a TMJ Dislocation?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint between the mandible and the temporal bone of the skull. The condyle of the mandible articulates bilaterally in a concavity known as the glenoid fossa or mandibular fossa.

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Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is a painful condition that occurs when the mandibular condyle becomes fixed in the anterosuperior aspect of the articular eminence.

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Dislocations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are common and occur in as many as 7% of the entire population, at some point in their lives . They can occur at any age but are most common between 20-40 years of age.

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Massage Tutorial: Myofascial release for TMJ/jaw pain

The temporomandibular joint can undergo some alterations that cause pain to the patient, and can limit the movements of the jaw. In this syndrome the muscles are also involved

It is important to determine what is the cause of the TMJ syndrome, to carry out a good treatment, for this, tests such as: x-rays, occlusal analysis, magnetic resonance, etc. are carried out.

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On this occasion we share with you a video tutorial on massages to relax the muscles involved in this painful TMJ syndrome. This video is thanks to the Massage Sloth channel.

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VIDEO: Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders

The temporo mandibular joint is one that joins the jaw with the skull. Muscles, tendons and bones are involved in this complex joint. Treatment is effective once the cause is found.

Temporomandibular joint syndrome is the lesion or localized pain that the patient presents in the joint.

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The reasons for the injury can be varied: dental malocclusions, blows to the jaw or joint, bruxism, stress, arthritis, etc. Additionally, other medical conditions not related to the TMJ may cause perceived pain in the jaw area.

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