The temporomandibular joints (the jaw joints that are on each side of your face, just in front of your ears) connect your lower jaw to your skull. They control jaw movements that help you eat, speak and swallow. TMJ dysfunctions can cause jaw pain, headaches and trouble opening or closing your mouth.

Most TMJ symptoms are mild or come and go. tmj dysfunction may get better on their own within weeks or months with home therapy. Your child can eat soft foods and avoid actions that irritate the joint or muscles of the face (such as wide yawning, loud singing or chewing gum). Applying ice or moist heat to the area can also ease inflammation and soothe pain. Your child can try stretching or relaxing exercises. Your doctor, dentist or physical therapist can suggest these for your child. If your child clenches or grinds his or her teeth, your doctor can fit the child with a mouthguard to wear at night. Medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) or muscle relaxers can ease pain and reduce clenching. Some studies have shown that biofeedback, which teaches a person to monitor the tightness of certain muscles, can help.

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In severe or long-lasting cases, your doctor might recommend open surgery to repair the joint damage. There are a few procedures that replace the damaged parts of the joint. These procedures are not well researched and haven’t been proven to ease TMJ symptoms in the long run.