Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders in Children and Adolsecents

This study examines different treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) — jaw joint and muscle pain — in children aged 7–14. TMD causes pain in the jaw, face, and head and can significantly affect a child's quality of life. Children with TMD are often undertreated because there is limited evidence for which therapies work best in pediatric patients. This trial compares different approaches including physical therapy, splints, and behavioral interventions. Participants must have confirmed myalgia (muscle pain) or arthralgia (joint pain) in the jaw area, with a pain intensity of 30 mm or more on a 100 mm scale. They will be randomly assigned to different treatment approaches and followed to compare pain reduction and functional improvement. You may be eligible if: - You are a child between 7 and 14 years old - You have been diagnosed with jaw muscle pain (myalgia) or joint pain (arthralgia) per DC/TMD criteria - Your average jaw pain is at least 30 mm on a 100 mm pain scale during the past week You may NOT be eligible if: - You have a diagnosed systemic muscle or joint disease (e.g., fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis) - You have whiplash-associated disorder - You have neuropathic pain or a neurological disorder (e.g., myasthenia gravis) - You have a history of psychiatric disorders - Your pain is from a dental origin (tooth problems) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.