The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the point of connection between the jaw and the skull, and it is the most frequently used joint in the entire body. While you may think that TMJ disorders (TMD) are problems only adults get, the truth is that children suffer from this problem at almost the same rate. Here’s why a child might develop TMD, how to tell if your child has it, and what you can do to help.
What Are TMJ Disorders and How Can Kids Get Them?
TMJ disorders occur when the intricate arrangement of the parts of the TMJ falls out of alignment, and this can frequently happen due to stress. The pressure of studying and socializing kids experience in school can cause a lot of anxiety, and while TMJ disorders affect children of all ages, they more commonly afflict girls. TMJ disorders are also more frequently found in people with dental alignment issues, arthritis, muscle issues, or habitual teeth grinding resulting from stress. TMJ disorders can also be caused by facial trauma.
How Can I Tell if My Child Has a TMJ Disorder?
If you believe your child may have a TMJ disorder, be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
- Pain in the face, jaw, head, or neck
- Difficulty with chewing and biting
- Clicking or popping sounds when the mouth opens or closes
- In some cases, the jaw locking open or shut
What Should I Do If My Child Has a TMJ Disorder?
If your child is showing symptoms of a TMJ disorder, inform your family’s dentist. During your child’s next appointment, they may investigate the problem by asking questions, examining the mouth and jaw, or ordering imaging tests such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. If your child’s jaw has been locked in an open or shut position, ask your dentist if you should take them to an oral surgeon or the emergency room. Treating a TMJ disorder may be as simple as giving the jaw a few days’ rest. Other treatments may be wearing a nightguard to bed or, in severe and rare cases, oral surgery.
Your child’s jaw plays a crucial role in how they smile, eat, and speak. With the proper care, your child’s TMJ can function comfortably for life.
About the Author
Dr. Heng Lim earned his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma and completed advanced training in the placement and restoration of dental implants at Baylor College of Dentistry. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Association, and the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. His office in Owasso, TX, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as TMJ treatments. If you are concerned that your child may have TMD, contact his office online or dial (918) 274-3779.