If your teen is complaining about jaw pain, clicking sounds when they chew, or even frequent headaches, it might be more than just growing pains. These could be signs of a TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control it. It’s more common than many parents realize, and yes, teens can absolutely experience it! In fact, up to 68% of children and adolescents suffer from this condition.
As your friendly dentist near you in San Bruno, CA, Dr. Christina Chen wants to help parents understand the basics of TMJ disorders in teens, including what to look for, what causes it, and how we can help make things better.
What Is TMJ, Anyway?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s what lets you talk, chew, yawn, and smile. You have one on each side of your jaw, and when these joints aren’t working properly, it’s called a TMJ disorder (or TMD for short). It’s important to know that this joint is tiny but mighty. When something’s off, it can cause a surprising range of symptoms.
Glaring Signs Your Teen Might Have a TMJ Disorder
Between braces, school stress, sports, and growth spurts, teenagers already face a lot. Therefore, it’s easy to overlook signs of TMJ issues. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches, especially around the temples
- Earaches or a feeling of “fullness” in the ears
- Jaw locking, making it hard to open or close the mouth
- Pain when chewing or yawning
- Face, neck, or shoulder soreness
Some teens may also grind their teeth (called bruxism), especially at night, which can make TMJ symptoms worse. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your teen evaluated by a dentist near you in San Bruno who understands jaw issues and teen oral health.
What Causes TMJ Disorders in Teens?
It’s unexpectedly easy to strain the TMJ. Even something as simple as chewing gum all day or resting the chin in their hand while studying can add stress to the TMJ over time. There isn’t always one apparent reason, but common causes in teens include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (often from stress or misaligned teeth)
- Poor posture (especially from texting or hunching over schoolwork)
- Jaw injury or trauma from sports or accidents
- Orthodontic issues or uneven bites
- Stress (which can cause jaw tension without them realizing it)
How Can a Dentist Near Me Help?
The good news is that TMJ disorders are treatable and often without anything too invasive! At our San Bruno dental office, we take a gentle, personalized approach. Here’s how we typically help teens with TMJ issues:
- Custom night guards to protect against teeth grinding
- Lifestyle tips to reduce jaw strain (like limiting gum, improving posture, and stress relief)
- Stretching and jaw exercises to relieve tension
- Monitoring bite alignment and checking if orthodontic care is needed
- In rare cases, we may refer your teen to a specialist if more advanced treatment is needed
We’ll also check to ensure the pain isn’t being caused by something else, such as cavities, emerging wisdom teeth, or sinus pressure.
Let’s Keep Your Teen Comfortable
TMJ disorders can be frustrating, but with the proper support and treatment, they’re very manageable. Your teen deserves to eat, talk, laugh, and yawn without pain. If you’re hearing complaints of jaw pain or strange clicking sounds, don’t ignore them.
Reach out to our local dentist in San Bruno, CA, and let’s take a look together. The sooner we address it, the sooner your teen can get back to feeling (and smiling) like themselves. Schedule a TMJ consultation at Simply Dentistry. We’re here to help your whole family smile with confidence and without pain!
