How to prepare for a video visit about Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ/TMD)

Audience: pediatric

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ or TMD) affects the jaw joint and muscles, causing pain or difficulty moving the jaw. If your child has symptoms like jaw pain, clicking sounds, or trouble chewing, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help discuss these concerns. Preparing well for the visit helps the provider understand your child's symptoms better and suggest the next steps. During the video visit, the provider may ask about the pain, observe jaw movement, and guide you on managing symptoms or whether an in-person exam is needed. This guide helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit about TMJ/TMD safely and effectively. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but is not a replacement for emergency or in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe jaw pain that suddenly worsens — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth — go to the emergency room.
• Swelling or redness around the jaw or face with fever — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing jaw pain symptoms and history.
• Observing jaw movement and function via video.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring touch or imaging.
• Diagnosing complex jaw disorders without further tests.
• Managing emergencies such as severe pain or airway problems.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person assessment.

What is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ/TMD)?

TMJ or TMD refers to problems with the jaw joint and the muscles around it. Children with TMJ may feel pain in the jaw, hear clicking or popping sounds, or have trouble opening or closing their mouth fully. These symptoms can come and go or last longer. TMJ can happen for many reasons, such as jaw injury, teeth grinding, or muscle tension.

How a Video Visit Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider from home. They can ask about your child's symptoms, watch jaw movements, and suggest ways to reduce pain. The provider may recommend exercises, pain relief methods, or if needed, an in-person visit for more tests. Video visits are convenient but may not replace all face-to-face exams.

Preparing for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any treatments tried. Have a quiet space with good lighting for the call. It may help to have a family member assist with showing the jaw movements on camera. Write down any questions you want to ask the provider.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's jaw pain, sounds, and any other related symptoms. They may ask your child to open and close their mouth slowly or move the jaw side to side on camera. Based on this, they will discuss possible causes and next steps, which might include home care tips or scheduling an in-person exam.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If your child has severe jaw pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, sudden jaw locking, or facial swelling, seek emergency care immediately. These signs need urgent attention and cannot be managed through a video visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Have your child's medical history and symptom details ready.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Have a family member assist if needed to show jaw movements.
• Be ready to show your child's jaw opening, closing, and side movements on camera.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any home care advice given by the provider.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
• Keep a record of treatments tried and their effects for follow-up visits.

FAQs

What causes TMJ in children?

TMJ can be caused by jaw injury, teeth grinding, stress-related muscle tension, or sometimes the exact cause is unknown. It often involves the muscles and joints working together.

Can TMJ get better without treatment?

Many children improve with simple home care like gentle jaw exercises, avoiding hard foods, and pain relief. However, some may need further evaluation if symptoms persist.

Is a video visit enough to diagnose TMJ?

A video visit helps the provider understand symptoms and observe jaw movement but may not be enough for a full diagnosis. Sometimes an in-person exam or imaging is needed.

What should I do if my child’s jaw locks?

If your child's jaw locks and they cannot open or close their mouth, seek emergency care promptly as this may require urgent treatment.

Are there exercises to help TMJ pain?

Yes, healthcare providers may recommend gentle jaw exercises to improve movement and reduce pain. These should be done as instructed to avoid worsening symptoms.

Sources

1. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Temporomandibular Disorders — National Library of Medicine.
4. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine can support care but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when needed, especially in emergencies.