Numerous children today suffer from headaches, which are frequently caused by a structural imbalance between the upper and lower jaws. The three main types of structural imbalances include a narrow upper arch, a deficient lower jaw and patients who have a vertical problem, evidenced by a deep overbite. A high percentage of these children who suffer from these structural imbalances will have some of the following:
- Tired Jaws
- Sore Teeth
- Headaches
- Worn Teeth
- Neck Ache
- Clicking Jaw Joints
- Ear Ache
- Ringing in the Ears
- Facial Deformity
- Dizziness
Tired Jaws
If the jaws become tired after chewing gum or eating chewy foods, this is one of the earliest signs that something is wrong with the functioning of the chewing system. The human jaw is so well designed that it is impossible for the jaws to become tired unless the jaws are not properly aligned. The most common problem is a lower jaw, which is deficient or well behind the upper jaw. These patients appear to have protruding upper teeth but in the majority of these cases the lower jaw is positioned behind the upper jaw. If any tiredness of the lower jaw should occur, the child should be examined by a dentist trained in the area of TM Dysfunction (TMJ) a jaw joint problem.
Headaches
Jaw joint (TMJ) problems are beginning to develop when a child experiences headaches. Pain from headaches is not normal, especially in young children. Normal children are healthy, pain-free and have relatively low stress levels. Therefore, headaches that do occur are a sign that the system is overloaded. Headaches of once or twice a month can easily be an early warning sign that should be taken seriously.
Neck Aches
Poor posture combined with a jaw problem significantly overloads neck muscles creating pain and discomfort. These problems tend to get worse as the children get older if the structural problems, as discussed previously, are not corrected. Early evaluation and treatment can go a long way to providing a lifetime of better health and comfort for our young patients.
If your children have any of the above problems, please consider making an appointment with a dentist. For an assessment appointment please call our office.
