Epidemiology

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) affects not only adults, but it also occurs frequently in children and adolescents. Its prevalence varies greatly in the literature (7–60%), depending on age, population and diagnostic criteria used (Ekberg et al., 2023; Minghelli, 2014).

Girls have a significantly higher risk of TMD, especially from puberty onwards. Common symptoms include pain in the jaw area, joint noises, chewing problems and headaches. Research also shows that psychosocial factors such as stress and parafunctional habits, as well as musculoskeletal factors in the neck and craniofacial region, contribute to the development of symptoms (Minghelli, 2014; Al-Khotani et al., 2016).

Although most complaints are mild, a subgroup of children may experience significant limitations and have an increased risk of chronicity and musculoskeletal pain syndromes in adulthood (Al-Khotani et al., 2016; Mélou et al., 2023). Epidemiological data show that TMD often increases around puberty and affects more than one third of children in some populations (Macrì et al., 2022; Rentsch et al., 2023).

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2023) reports that prevalence of pain-related TMD range between 7% and 30% in adolescents based on DC/TMD. An early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach are therefore essential to improve quality of life and prevent long-term complaints, in which the CRAFTA® therapist may also participate.