Adolescents who have regular jaw pain, headaches, or problems when they chew food may suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ issues can affect the quality of life in a serious way, so it is important to take early action.
If you are a parent living in Los Gatos and your adolescent is facing these issues, getting a TMJ treatment in Los Gatos can help you work on the symptoms, which will reduce the risk of chronic pain or problems as they grow.
Here are the problems that adolescents face because of TMJ disorders, signs parents should watch for, and the benefits of taking care at the right time.
Table of Contents
Understanding TMJ Disorders in Adolescents
TMJ disorders include problems in the jaw joints and muscles that help in movement. In adolescents, stress, injury, or even orthodontic factors can be a reason for TMJ issues.
Common Symptoms in Young Patients
Most of the time, adolescents feel pain near the jaw, face, or even in the ear. This pain increases when they are doing activities like talking or chewing.
The sounds of jaw locking or popping can show that the joint is not functioning as it should, which is a big sign of TMJ issues. Chronic headaches in young patients are sometimes due to issues in the structure of the jaw.
Additional Changes in The Behaviour
Parents should look for changes in the behavior of their adolescents, such as if it is difficult to eat hard foods, problems while talking, or a habit of rubbing the jaw area.
They will not tell you about the pain they are having in their jaw area, but these signs can help you to know about their discomfort.
Causes and Risk Factors Unique to Adolescents
Stress and Teen Lifestyle Factors
A person faces many emotional and academic pressures during their teenage years. These stresses can cause clenching or grinding of the jaw, which can worsen the TMJ symptoms.
The habit of clenching and grinding during sleep, which is caused by stress in life, will put pressure on the TMJ. If it is ignored, these habits will cause muscular tension and damage to joints.
Many adolescents spend long periods on phones or computers. Poor posture can put pressure on the neck and jaw muscles, which causes TMJ symptoms.
Orthodontic Treatments and TMJ Health
Orthodontic treatments are beneficial but can sometimes cause temporary pressure on the jaw. Adolescents with braces may feel uneasiness in their jaws. You can talk to a TMJ-aware specialist who can help you manage any effect on jaw health.
Adolescents still experience jaw growth, which can change the structure of the jaw. Proper examination can make sure that orthodontics and jaw health match well.
Benefits of Early Action for TMJ Disorders
Early treatment solves the symptoms before they can cause permanent jaw damage or chronic pain, which makes it important to take early action. Early action for the problem can help you keep the problem away from becoming an issue for a long time.
Adolescents who get the treatment report that their performance at school and their social interactions are better now because they are free from the pain.
Improving Oral and Overall Health
TMJ disorders can affect oral health, from tooth wear to the risk of cavities because of the proper structure of the jaw. No proper structure can cause serious wear issues on some teeth. TMJ treatments help to align the jaw in place and protect dental health.
Many adolescents with TMJ issues have problems with sleep. Trying to solve the TMJ issue helps them get better sleep, which improves growth and development.
Effective Treatment Options for Adolescents
Simple jaw exercises can reduce muscle tension and decrease pain, which improves the jaw’s function. Designed guards will keep the adolescents away from grinding teeth at night, which will help reduce stress on the TMJ.
Professional TMJ treatment makes sure that the actions to solve the TMJ issues are safe and right for a developing jaw. Ongoing evaluations make sure that the treatment adapts to jaw development.
Professionals can teach adolescents proper methods to manage symptoms between visits, which makes them independent and cares for their dental health.
Take Action for Lasting Relief
TMJ disorders can greatly affect adolescents, which affect everything in their daily lives, from school performance to social life. Taking professional care at an early stage can make a big difference and help them to enjoy a pain-free life.
