TMJ disorder (TMD) is a fairly common condition among adults; it is especially prevalent in women of child-bearing age. However, other groups are not immune to this condition. It can affect anyone of any age or gender — and children are no exception! How can you tell if your young one is a victim of TMD? This blog post explores some signs that you should look for.
Emotional Distress
Lots of factors can contribute to the development of TMD. One trigger that is particularly common among children is emotional distress. If your child has a difficult home environment or is facing a lot of pressure at school, that may cause muscle tension throughout their body, including their facial muscles. Teeth grinding and stress on the jaw joints (TMJs) may be the result. Therefore, if your child is going through a hard time, it is important to both provide emotional support and be aware of physical symptoms that could arise from their current challenges.
Jaw Pain and Headaches
You might notice your child complaining about pain in their jaw, especially after waking up or following stressful days. Frequent headaches, particularly around the temples or behind the eyes, could also be linked to tension in the jaw muscles and joints.
Food Aversions and Difficulty Eating
If your child suddenly avoids certain foods or struggles to chew, you should pay attention. Pain or stiffness in the jaw can make eating difficult, sometimes leading your child to skip meals or choose only soft foods. While several different dental conditions could contribute to these symptoms, they certainly indicate TMD as a possibility.
Jaw Noises
You may hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when your child opens and closes their mouth. These noises often occur due to irregular movement of the jaw joint, which is strongly linked to TMD. (Occasional clicking or popping might not be an issue, but if it happens frequently, that can be a big red flag.)
Dental Misalignment
Kids should be evaluated for orthodontic problems by the time they are seven years old. Left untreated, issues like a bad bite or crowded teeth could place extra stress on the jaw joints and greatly increase the risk of TMJ disorder.
Seeking Treatment for Your Child
TMD can be very painful, and as a loving parent, you do not want to see your child suffer! Fortunately, there are many conservative treatments that can provide powerful symptom relief.
Take your child to a dentist who has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder. After a thorough evaluation, they can advise you on your next steps. Often, the best way to approach TMD is through a combination of immediate symptom management and therapies that aim to address the problem’s underlying causes.
Children can get TMD just like adults! Stay alert for the symptoms so you can help your little one find relief.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Russ Teasdale has more than 40 years of experience in his field. He specializes in helping patients cope with TMJ disorder, and he offers several treatments that have a strong track record of effectiveness. He also utilizes advanced technology to diagnose TMD and identify its underlying causes. If you are concerned that your child may have this condition, contact Evolution Dental in Portland at 503-974-3829.