If your teen mentions jaw pain or trouble opening their mouth, bring it up with the dentist. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can affect the jaw joints and chewing muscles.
🦷 Which symptoms should teens report?
- Pain: Discomfort with chewing, talking or yawning.
- Movement: A jaw that catches, locks or feels difficult to open.
- Changes: New joint noises or a bite that feels different.
Also mention previous jaw injuries and when symptoms occur.
🔎 How does the dentist investigate?
Assessment includes the symptom history, jaw movement and tenderness. Imaging may be needed. Tooth problems and other conditions can resemble TMD, so symptoms alone do not establish the diagnosis.
💡 What happens after diagnosis?
AAPD recommends considering reversible care, such as education, physical therapy or selected dental appliances. The approach depends on the diagnosis; referral may be appropriate.
Ask about the evidence before considering permanent bite changes for TMD. AAPD generally advises avoiding irreversible therapies or reserving them as a last option.
☎️ Discuss your teen’s symptoms
Contact Little Kids Dentistry or explore more Teens articles.
📚 AAPD source
Based on AAPD’s Temporomandibular Disorders best practice (2024 revision). General education, not an individual treatment plan or AAPD endorsement.