TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder which is a disorder in the temporomandibular joint can affect a person of any age –even a child. TMD can happen due to the structure of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or the stress, or injury on TMJ.
The symptoms of TMD are same for everyone. There can be a clicking or popping sound whenever the jaw is opened or closed. Popping sounds or grating sound when moving the jaw can also be caused by sore muscles. When a child is stressed or has anxiety the muscles become stiff which releases only when the stress is reduced. But repeated stress can cause the muscles to become sore permanently.
Such soreness can also cause pain in the TMJ. Usually such pain goes away in couple of days. When the reason is diagnosed properly, it can be treated by relieving stress. But if the stress or anxiety that makes a child clench their jaw or grind their teeth is for a longer period, which can cause TMD.
TMD however can be treated with therapies and stress management exercises. The children have to be taught how to regulate their emotions and shown a better way to release stress. They have to be made aware of how their exerting pressure on the jaw affects this area. They can rather release stress by using a different part of the body if that cannot be controlled at all -like punching a sandbag. More than that, it is important for them go through counselling both professionally and by the parents to help them express their emotional problem so that it can be handled well.
Headaches, ear pain, pain or swelling around the TMJ, apart from the clicking noise can be signs of having TMD. Pain in TMJ can affect normal activities like biting, smiling or yawning.
Very young children, who may have asymmetrical jaw or a possibility of malocclusion, can also have pain in TMJ.
Having preventative treatments for children with an orthodontist in Grand Prairie will help in curing TMD and also other dental problem the child can have because of this.
There are different treatments that an orthodontist in Grand Prairie can offer that are advanced and effective to treat TMD. Treating them early is better to train the muscles and guide the growth of the teeth in case there are chances of severe misalignment.
Habits like finger sucking, teeth grinding etc., are the alarms not only for TMD but also other dental problems like malocclusion. A child should be taken to an orthodontist as early as 7 years of age. That phase being the time when teeth fall and erupt, is most important. Moreover, children are not mindful of their habits and any possible affects of the same on the teeth.
Christian Marrel is the author of this Article: To know more about please visit the Website. Smiledesignortho.com
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