Does Your Child Have TMD?

Posted on Jan 24, 2021


If a child is experiencing pain near their ear, their jaw and/or the muscles on the side of their face, accompanied by a clicking or popping sound (or restricted jaw movement), they may have TMD. This is a group of conditions involving pain and dysfunction of the “TMJ,” aka the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. Children going through significant stress can experience jaw problems. If they have a dental issue, such as a “bad bite,” or joint problems, such as arthritis, that could be contributing to their TMD… as could trauma to their jaw or face.

The source of a TMD problem could be a disc, muscles, or a joint. Did you know large muscles in the cheeks and temples move the lower jaw? The lower jaw and temporal bone fit together as a ball and socket with a cushioning disc in between. When something’s wrong in this area of the body, a person will often have pain as well as trouble opening or closing their jaw. And yes, even young children can experience TMD issues.

If your child is telling you he or she has muscle pain in the cheeks or temples, it could be TMD. They might be clenching or grinding their teeth every night. If they are, that means they’re not allowing those certain muscles to relax. And they’re putting more and more pressure on their jaw joints.

Can children be treated for TMD issues? Certainly. Chiropractors can help kids feel better. For instance, sometimes a softer diet can help reduce stress put on their joints and muscles. Ice and/or heat applied to the face can help with soreness and inflammation. And if there’s a muscle spasm happening, a chiropractor can help stretch the muscle so it calms down quickly.

In Forest Lake, MN, call Lakewoods Chiropractic at 615-464-0800 to make an appointment and get some relief for the child in your life who is experiencing jaw pain and problems.

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Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
385 Google reviews
SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!