Red flags & when to go in person for Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ/TMD) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ/TMD) affects the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. In children, TMJ/TMD can cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or clicking sounds when moving the jaw. Many cases improve with simple home care and do not require immediate in-person visits. However, some signs mean a child should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include severe jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or swelling around the jaw. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice on managing mild cases, and decide if further care is needed. It is important to recognize when in-person evaluation is necessary to prevent complications. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand red flags and how telemedicine fits into care for pediatric TMJ/TMD.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe jaw pain that does not improve with home care — seek in-person evaluation promptly.
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully — urgent medical assessment needed.
• Swelling, redness, or fever accompanying jaw symptoms — go to a healthcare facility immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on home care and pain management.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
• Guidance on lifestyle changes and jaw exercises.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of the jaw joint and muscles.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Emergency treatment for severe injury or infection.
• Procedures or interventions requiring hands-on care.

What is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ/TMD)?

TMJ/TMD refers to problems with the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. In children, this can cause pain around the jaw, clicking or popping sounds, and trouble chewing or opening the mouth fully. Causes may include injury, teeth grinding, or muscle tension.

Common Symptoms in Children

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When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain signs mean a child should be seen by a healthcare provider in person:

These red flags may indicate a more serious problem needing prompt evaluation.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine visits can help assess symptoms, provide guidance on home care, and decide if an in-person visit is needed. Providers can review your child's history and symptoms, suggest pain relief methods, and recommend exercises or lifestyle changes. However, some conditions require hands-on examination or imaging, which telemedicine cannot provide.

Home Care Tips for Mild TMJ/TMD

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Always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Note any recent injuries or events affecting the jaw or face.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Have a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Be ready to show the child's jaw movement on camera if asked.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice provided by the healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or red flags appear.
• Keep a record of any treatments or exercises recommended.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can TMJ/TMD in children go away on its own?

Yes, many cases of TMJ/TMD in children improve with time and simple home care such as soft foods and gentle jaw exercises.

Is jaw clicking always a sign of TMJ disorder?

Jaw clicking can be common and does not always mean there is a disorder. However, if it is accompanied by pain or difficulty moving the jaw, it should be evaluated.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for jaw pain?

If your child has severe jaw pain, cannot open or close their mouth, has swelling or redness around the jaw, or has a fever with jaw symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

Can telemedicine replace all visits for TMJ/TMD?

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessments and advice but cannot replace physical exams or imaging needed for diagnosis and treatment in some cases.

What treatments are commonly recommended for pediatric TMJ/TMD?

Treatments often include pain relief, soft diet, jaw exercises, stress management, and sometimes dental devices. A healthcare provider can guide the best approach.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. Always seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional when red flags or worsening symptoms occur.