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Another cause of ear pain in children is a condition called temporomandibular
joint (TMJ) dysfunction. As shown in the diagram, the TMJ attaches the mandible or
jaw to the skull and is in front of the external ear canal. One of the symptoms of
this problem is ear pain. The pain results from spasms of the muscles that attach
the jaw to the skull. This pain can be severe. It is an intermittent pain, lasting
about five minutes and occurring three or four times a day. It is usually worse in
the morning. Sometimes the grinding of teeth can cause this condition. Other
associated symptoms include stuffiness or clicking in the ear or headaches.
Your child may have had recent dental work. The condition is more common in adults
but it can affect children. Children are usually over six years old. Boys and girls
have this problem with equal frequency. Your dentist is the person to treat this
condition.
The cause of ear pain may not be obvious. Examination can often determine
the cause. Once I know the reason for the ear pain I can treat your child.