TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder)

Understanding Your Child’s Jaw, Muscles & TMJ

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints, along with the surrounding muscles, help your child chew, speak, yawn, and open and close their mouth.

TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is a general term for problems involving the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or both.

What Signs Should I Watch For?

Your child may experience one or more of the following:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness

  • Pain when chewing or opening wide

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw

  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

  • Jaw stiffness or fatigue

  • Headaches, especially around the temples

  • Pain near the ears without an ear infection

  • Facial or neck muscle soreness

  • A feeling that the bite has changed

  • Jaw locking or catching

Important: Clicking or popping by itself does not always mean there is a problem. If your child has pain, limited movement, locking, or other concerns, we recommend an evaluation.

What Can We Do at Home?

Most children with mild TMD symptoms can begin with simple, conservative care.

1. Give the Jaw a Break

For a short period, choose softer foods that require less chewing.

Examples Include: Yogurt, eggs, pasta, oatmeal, soft fruits and vegetables, smoothies, soups

Avoid very hard, chewy, or crunchy foods while the jaw is irritated.

2. Avoid Excessive Jaw Activity

Try to avoid: Chewing gum, Chewy candy, Ice chewing, Nail biting, biting on pens or pencils, opening the mouth extremely wide, large sandwiches or foods that require excessive stretching.

3. Use Warmth

A warm, moist washcloth or warm compress can be placed over the jaw muscles for approximately 10–15 minutes at a time.

4. Pay Attention to Clenching

During the day, encourage your child to keep their jaw relaxed. A helpful reminder is: “Lips together, teeth apart.” The teeth generally should not be touching when your child is resting.

5. Encourage Good Sleep & Stress Management

Stress and poor sleep can contribute to muscle tension and clenching.

Encourage: A consistent bedtime routine, Adequate sleep, Relaxation before bedtime, Regular physical activity and Healthy ways to manage stress

6. Nightguard

In some patients, a nightguard may be recommended if nighttime clenching or grinding is contributing to jaw muscle soreness, tooth wear, or TMD symptoms.

A nightguard can help by:

  • Reducing the effects of nighttime grinding or clenching

  • Protecting the teeth from excessive wear

  • Helping reduce stress on the jaw muscles and joints

  • Providing a more comfortable resting position for the jaw

A nightguard is not necessary for every child with TMD. If we feel your child may benefit from one, we will discuss this with you and determine whether it is appropriate based on their age, symptoms, dental development, and examination. The best part: We can digitally scan your child's teeth right here in our office.

When Should I Contact Our Office?

Please contact us if your child develops:

  • Persistent or worsening jaw pain

  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

  • Jaw locking

  • Significant pain while eating

  • Swelling

  • A sudden change in the bite

  • Symptoms following an injury to the jaw

  • Frequent headaches or facial pain associated with jaw symptoms

A Note for Parents

TMD symptoms can be frustrating, but many cases can be managed successfully with conservative treatment and time. Our goal is to identify what may be contributing to your child's symptoms and help the jaw and surrounding muscles function comfortably.

If you have concerns about your child's jaw, please contact Sunrise Pediatric Dentistry so we can evaluate their symptoms and determine whether additional care is needed.