You might think that TMJ disorder is something that only affects adults, but unfortunately, this is not the case. It’s all too possible for children to develop this condition as well. TMJ disorder can be very painful, so as a parent, you’ll want to have it addressed by an expert as quickly as possible. Of course, before you can seek treatment, you need to be able to recognize the problem first. Here’s a closer look at TMJ disorder in children and the warning signs that parents need to be familiar with.
What Exactly is a TMJ Disorder?
Your child’s lower jaw is connected to the skull via the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs for short. A TMJ disorder can occur if these joints are overused or are injured in an accident. The exact cause of TMJ disorder isn’t always obvious, but there are several common risk factors, such as stress, bite misalignment, and frequent grinding and clenching of the teeth.
What are Some of the Warning Signs of TMJ Disorder?
Your child may have a TMJ disorder if:
- They often complain about jaw pain or unexplained headaches.
- They sometimes have trouble opening or closing their mouth.
- They hear a clicking or popping sound when they move their jaw.
- They find it difficult to chew their food.
TMJ disorder can grow worse over time if it’s left untreated. As such, if you have any reason to think that your child might be suffering from this condition, you should reach out to your family’s dentist.
What Steps Can Be Taken to Treat Your Child’s TMJ Disorder?
Once your dentist has confirmed that your child has TMJ disorder, they can point you toward an appropriate form of treatment. Sometimes the solution may be as simple as helping your child take care of their jaw at home. This might mean encouraging them to break habits that can aggravate TMJ problems (such as nail-biting) or serving them soft foods that require little to no chewing.
In certain cases, your dentist may provide your child with an occlusal splint to wear at night. The purpose of an occlusal splint is to slightly reposition the jaw to help it find a better resting position. This reduces pressure on the TMJs, giving them an opportunity to rest and heal. Additionally, an occlusal splint provides protection from any nighttime teeth grinding that might be contributing to your child’s jaw pain.
In short, it’s essential for you to keep an eye out for any symptoms that might indicate that your child has a TMJ disorder. The sooner you take steps to have the problem treated, the sooner your child can enjoy lasting relief.
About the Author
Dr. David R. Lloyd is a graduate of the Emory University School of Dentistry. His professional memberships include the Florida Dental Association and the Volusia-Flagler Dental Association. At his current practice, Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach, he provides high-quality care to patients of all ages. His diverse menu of services includes personalized occlusal splints for TMJ disorder. If your child is experiencing pain in their jaw, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lloyd by visiting his website or calling (386) 253-3629.