Temporomandibular disorders among school children

A large volume of literature is available on the Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in adults. However, relatively little information is available on this condition in children. The present study is aimed at providing a comprehensive survey on Temporomandibular Joint Status in Saudi Arabian Children in the Western Region of the Kingdom. This is a report on the prevalence of TMDs in children. Five hundred and two children aged 3-7 years old were examined for signs and symptoms of TMDs in a classroom setting. Eighty-three (16.53%) presented with TMDs, with 34 (14.46%) males 49 (18.35%) female (This difference between sexes is significant P < 0.001); 39 (7.8%) of the children had TMJ sounds; 34 (6.77%) had associated muscle tenderness; 13 (2.59%) had pain during TMJ movement; 17 (3.39%) had deviation of the mandible during movement; and 9 (1.7%) had a restricted mouth opening. There is a general tendency for these signs and symptoms to be more significantly prevalent in females. None of the children had sought dental treatment for these conditions. The importance of TMJ examinations in the overall clinical assessment of the pediatric patient should not be overlooked. Identifying this subject early in life would allow us to follow up the patient and intervene in the appropriate time to avoid future problem in the TMJ apparatus.