Abstract

ORTEGA, Adriana de Oliveira Lira  and  GUIMARAES, Antônio Sérgio. Risk factors for temporomandibular disorder and orofacial pain in childhood and adolescencey. Rev. Assoc. Paul. Cir. Dent. [online]. 2013, vol.67, n.1, pp. 14-17. ISSN 0004-5276.

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be detected at different ages of growth and development of the individual. When treating children and adolescents, it is important for the pedodontist to be able to perceive early signs of TMJ. Thus, as in any disease, the knowledge of the risk factors offers the support to the professional to establish strategies in an attempt to prevent or delay the onset of adverse clinical conditions. Based on the premise of promoting the health of the individual, the need to understand the different situations associated with TMD precedes even the knowledge of early identification of signs and symptoms of TMD may not represent the disease under development. The clinical use of comprehension of risk factors is basically anamnestic and does not require specific training that requires physical diagnosis. The literature has not satisfactorily documented the influences that these factors perhaps exert in children and adolescents, in each time period, and many inferences from research in adults have yet to be made.

Keywords : Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Facial Pain; Pediatric Dentistry.