Although most TMJ cases are involved with adults and it is not heard of in children, TMJ has affected children more than you think, a study found that 25% of children, mostly female, in nearly 5,000 suffer from TMJ related symptoms. As a parent, this can sound alarming, however, we here at Beauty Smile Orthodontics are here to give you all the important information you need to know if your child is suffering from TMJ.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a condition that affects countless numbers of adults and children, however, some people do not know what TMJ truly is. Every human has two temporomandibular joints in front of your ears which connects to the lower region of your jaw. These two joints allow us to talk, chew, and swallow.
TMJ has been determined to develop in the uterus of a woman 13 weeks after conception, where it continues to grow in the first 10 years of your child’s life. Ultimately, this makes your child in risk of TMJ disorder if they suffer a jaw injury during this time period. Over your child’s teen years, they are at a high risk as their age increases, especially girls who have just gone through puberty. In a recent study, it is found that women are 9 times more likely to have symptoms of TMJ disorder than the average boy.
What are symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ can have a variety of symptoms that can be aligned with other conditions, it is essential to contact your orthodontist immediately if you experience any of the following:
– Ear pain
– Jaw pain
– Sensitive teeth
– Locked jaw
– Popped jaw
– Facial pain
– Neck/shoulder pain
– Headaches
– Jaw clicking
Treatments for TMJ
TMJ disorder can be prevented for your child by following these helpful tips below:
– Avoid foods that can cause stress to the jaw (hard candy)
– Loosen your jaw with relaxation methods
– Avoid extreme jaw movements
– A TMJ mouth guard
– Warm or cold packs on the areas the jaw is in pain
– Dental procedures
For more information or questions on how TMJ can affect your child, contact Beauty Smile Orthodontics today.