Temporomandibular joint noises in infants review of the literature and report of cases

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function and dysfunction in infants and children are poorly understood. Some reports of dysfunction in children and adolescents have appeared in the literature; however, no contemporary reports of TMJ dysfunction in infants have been published. Here we describe three cases of TMJ noises that may represent an anatomic abnormality. Patients' ages at onset were 3 days, 5 months, and 6 months. All noises occurred in the apparent absence of trauma and without other clinical findings. Two cases resolved spontaneously over a 2- to 5-month period. One case is still occurring, but the frequency is decreasing with age. In all cases there was no history of distress on the part of the child during mandibular movements or when the noises occurred. Included is a review of the literature and hypotheses of the etiology of TMJ noises in infants.