Though it is rare, cases of TMJ pain can and have been found in children. Normally, signs your child has TMD show up in the years of adulthood and the older a person gets, the more common it is for them to experience TMJ pain. While children prepare to go back to school, now is the time to closely monitor your child’s stress and behavior. Prevent and reduce the pain of TMJ disorder before bigger problems arise down the road.
Children and the Temporomandibular Joint
Injury to the jaw at the tender age of 10 years or younger could hinder proper development of the child. Treating young patients can be tricky due the child’s jaw still growing and forming. It is essential for any TMJ problems to be addressed immediately.
It is common for TMD to go untreated or unrecognized until adulthood. Keep a close eye on all of the following signs and symptoms of TMD.
Signs of Childhood TMD
- Frequent or continuous facial pain
- Clicking of the jaw
- Ringing in the ears
- Pain in one or both sides of the jaw region
- Muscle tenderness during or after eating or chewing gum
- Earaches
- Headaches or migraines
- Lockjaw
- Trauma in the jaw, head, or neck area
- Poor posture
If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they may be a candidate for Neuromuscular Dentistry. NMD is a dental treatment intended to correct a misalignment of the jaw at the temporomandibular joint. If you have additional questions or to schedule an appointment, call C&C Dentistry today.