GROWING WITH PAIN: A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE ON PEDIATRIC TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in children and adolescents have gained increasing recognition as an important cause of orofacial pain and functional impairment. The etiology of pediatric TMD is complex and can result from a combination of local, behavioral, developmental, psychological, and systemic factors. Moreover, studies have recently demonstrated that nutritional deficiencies can play a significant role in temporomandibular joint dysfunction during the growing years. This case report describes the occurrence of TMD in a child associated with calcium and vitamin D deficiency.Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in children and adolescents remain underrecognized and are often not routinely identified in clinical practice. Their symptoms may be overlooked or misinterpreted because jaw pain, headache, joint sounds and functional disturbances can overlap with common developmental or other orofacial complaints. Since adolescence is an important period of craniofacial growth,persistent TMD related pain and dysfunction may have implications for daily functioning and quality of life, and adolescent pain has been associated with a greater risk of persistence into adulthood. Therefore, early screening, accurate diagnosis and timely conservative management are important to prevent pain chronification and functional impairment.