TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull.  This can cause soreness and tightness in the jaw that can make chewing, smiling and even breathing painful and difficult.  The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, can cause pain in the jaw and face as well as the head and neck.  This can also cause popping or clicking noises when chewing, speaking, or even just opening and closing the mouth.  Sometimes TMJ disorders can result in your jaw becoming locked in either an open or shut position.  Adults are not the only people that are susceptible to TMJ disorders.  Unfortunately, children can have TMJ issues as well.  It is more common for teenage girls to experience TMJ disorders.

Causes of TMJ

It is not completely certain what causes TMJ disorders but doctors and dentists have a very good idea of what factors contribute to the disorder or worsen it.  It has been found that more people who suffer from TMJ disorders either have a problem with jaw clenching or teeth grinding.  Misaligned teeth which impact chewing can also affect the muscles in the area.  Many people don’t realize that they grind their teeth or clench their jaw excessively because often times this activity occurs during sleep.

Stress is also a contributing factor for TMJ disorders.  Children under a lot of stress are more likely to clench their jaw and grind their teeth.  Other contributing factors in addition to stress and dental problems include joint problems such as arthritis, muscle problems or trauma or injury to the area.

Symptoms of TMJ

There are a few different symptoms to be on the lookout for if you suspect your child may have a TMJ disorder or is complaining of pain in the jaw area.  Some of the most common symptoms include pain in the jaw joint itself or in the surrounding facial muscles.  This pain could be more intense when yawning, chewing or talking.  The pain may also be accompanied by spasms and could radiate out to the neck and shoulders or around the ear.

A grating, clicking or popping sound or feeling when opening or closing the mouth can also indicate a TMJ disorder.  This symptom may be constant or may just occur occasionally such as when your child chews gum.  Difficulty with chewing or opening or closing the mouth may also indicate that your child is suffering from a TMJ disorder.  It is important to talk to your child about what exactly they feel and when they feel it in order to determine the cause.  In some cases, this kind of disorder may also cause ear pain, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears or even ear loss.

When to take Your Child to the Dentist for TMJ

If your child has expressed that they are having any of these symptoms or if you have noticed these symptoms in your child, you will want to let your child’s dentist know sooner than later.  With TMJ disorders it is better if it is caught and treated early.  The dentist will perform an exam and ask you and your child questions about the symptoms and your concerns.  They may also request X-rays or a CT scan or MRI to confirm a diagnosis.

If your child’s jaw is locked in an open or shut position then it is very important that they see an oral surgeon right away.  If one is unavailable then it is a good idea to take them to the emergency room before the condition worsens.

Treatment for TMJ

Treatment for TMJ disorders is different for each child based upon their unique situation.  For some children, something as simple as resting the jaw for a few days is adequate.  During this time you will want to offer your child only soft foods and help them avoid activities such as chewing gum, clenching their jaw, grinding their teeth, or opening their mouth extremely wide.  Use ice packs or heat to the side of the face to help alleviate the pain.

Occasionally further treatment will be necessary.  If your child experiences pain when clenching the jaw or grinding teeth then your child’s dentist may recommend using a splint or biteplate at night to help reduce these activities.  From time to time, medication will be prescribed to help with pain management and to help relax the muscles.

If the cause of the TMJ disorder is a dental problem, an alignment or bite problem, your dentist will likely recommend dental work or braces for your child.  In the worst case scenario, your child may need to have surgery.  Surgery on children for TMJ disorders is extremely rare.  In most cases they are able to address the issue with the treatment methods described above.

Preventing TMJ

The key to helping prevent TMJ disorder are to be aware of the behaviors that can lead to an issue.  Many children develop these disorders as a result of unconscious behaviors such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding.  By helping your child realize when they do these things, if it is at school, when they are stressed, or in their sleep, you are able to help them take corrective action.  If you notice a pattern between stress and these activities then try to help your child relieve stress by exercise and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.  It is also recommended that your child avoid chewing gum or any other hard substances that require excessive amounts of chewing.

If you think your child may have a TMJ disorder or if you have any questions, please call Dr. Levy.