Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), a term used to describe a painful condition in the jaw, is not common in children but can occur. Developing from early pregnancy, TMJ usually appears during the first ten years of life and can be difficult to spot or diagnose.
The symptoms will usually continue to increase as time passes and early indicators of TMJ can include pain in the jaw when:
– Eating
– Speaking
– Yawning
Other signs such as pain in the face or teeth should be mentioned to the child’s dentist who can conduct “a thorough evaluation”
Further reading on the subject can be found at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/tmj-treatment-options-for-children/.
Matthew Houlton BDS(Sheffield) MFGDP(UK)I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.
