Smiles proudly offers TMJ wellness and TMJ specialist treatment for children and teenagers in Los Angeles. Children’s and teenager’s jaw health plays a key role in their everyday lives and aids in functions like chewing, swallowing, speaking, and yawning. Sometimes, kids and teens live with popping, clicking or even jaw locking thinking that it is normal. Examining the TMJs, evaluating functional mouth-opening and palpating the facial musculature can shed light on symptoms that our young clients may be experiencing and help us formulate a gentle, palliative, and effective treatment plan to ensure their complete comfort and well-being.
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
TMJ Well-being ·
Understanding the TMJ:
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is the hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. The TMJ consists of bones, muscles, ligaments, and a small disc that cushions the joint to allow smooth jaw movement. Located on each side of the head in front of the ears, the pair of TMJ joints function in synchronized harmony allowing for smooth movements of the lower jaw.
The TMJ joint uniqueness:
- The TMJ combines both a hinge and a sliding motion, making it one of the most complex joints in the body.
- The jaw moving apparatus consists of twin joints with one TMJ present on each side of the lower jaw.
- TMJ joints must function in orchestrated unison to achieve smooth jaw movement.
TMJ Disorders (TMD):
Studies show that temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common in the pediatric and teen groups and can manifest in three main ways:
- Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders.
- Disorders of the chewing muscles (masticatory muscles).
- Headaches associated with TMD.
Common Signs and Symptoms of TMD:
Causes of TMD in kids and teens:
Smiles’ Gentle approach to TMD management:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We conduct a detailed assessment of your child’s or teen’s jaw, bite, and overall oral health to identify the cause of their TMD.
- Customized Treatment Plans: We create personalized temporomandibular disorder treatment plans based on your child’s or teen’s unique needs.
- Non-Invasive Methods: We focus on gentle therapies to manage symptoms and offer relief and healing.
- Lifestyle Modifications: We provide guidance on small changes that can reduce TMD symptoms, such as posture correction, diet modifications, and proper hydration.
What to expect during a TMJ wellness visit:
Benefits of Early TMD Treatment in kids and teens:
TMD Treatment options:
Hover or tap to reveal steps
1
First-line treatments for managing TMD in younger patients:
- Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes
- Resting the jaw (avoiding gum chewing, tough foods).
- Practicing proper posture (especially for teens using screens).
- Applying moist heat or cold packs to relieve muscle pain.
- Stress management techniques (breathing exercises, mindfulness).
2
Physical Therapy:
- Jaw and neck stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Massage therapy to reduce muscle tension.
3
Red-Light Therapy:
- TheraFace Pro by Therabody infrared and red-light therapy
4
Laser Therapy:
- Photobiomodulation with Gemini Laser
- Solea Laser for muscular relaxation
5
Dental and Orthodontic Solutions
- Bite Adjustments and orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners to correct malocclusion.
- Habit Correction: Addressing oral habits like nail-biting, thumb-sucking, or tongue thrusting.
- Orthotic Devices: Custom-made, 3D printed, occlusal splints or night guards to reduce bruxism.
6
Pain Management:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen
- Muscle relaxants for short-term use in severe cases.
7
Advanced Interventions:
- Botox Injections: Temporarily relaxes overactive jaw muscles.
- Trigger Point Injections : For targeted pain relief in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
8
Collaborative care:
We facilitate a team approach and foster collaborations with other practitioners such as pediatricians, ears/nose/throat (ENT) physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, myofuncional therapists and oral surgeons to ensure complete wellness for our children and teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a poor airway cause TMD?
An obstructed airway can significantly contribute to the development or exacerbation of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) due to the interconnected relationship between breathing, posture, muscle function, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Chronic mouth breathing and open-mouth posture can lead to an altering of the jaw position. This creates tension on the joint and surrounding musculature. Early detection of airway issues in children is key to ensure that they are getting proper sleep and good rest. We collaborate with pediatricians and ENT physicians and educate parents about the importance of this collaboration. Sleep studies may be recommended to diagnose or rule out sleep apnea, tonsil, android and airway issues.
How can stress contribute to TMD?
Stress can contribute to muscle tension, jaw clenching/bruxism, poor posture, altered jaw movements, sleep disturbances and oral habits. When we are worried, stress hormones like cortisol are released in our bodies increasing inflammation and pain. New schools and environments, social changes, exams and competitions are all factors that may cause emotional tension for kids and teens. We believe in supporting kids and teens and helping them understand the mind/body relationship and the role that emotions play on our wellbeing.
How long does TMD treatment take?
TMD treatment sessions for children and teens are about thirty minutes long. During the session, we use a combination of laser palliative therapy, red-light therapy and physical therapy. We also educate and empower our young clients to promote self-care at home. Most kids do very well within 3 sessions of treatment. Follow up for orthodontic care or night guards will continue as we see them for routine dental check-ups.
Is TMD treatment comfortable?
Yes! The sessions are calm, spa-like sessions that are palliative and gentle. Kids really enjoy the relaxing music and sensations of the light and physical therapy. We use organic essential oils and all-natural muscle relaxants.
Can TMD go away on its own?
Kids and teens certainly have high healing capabilities, and some TMD cases can be self-limiting. However, symptoms should be addressed. We believe that health is our birthright and that children should be given every opportunity to nurture well-being through gentle guidance to set the stage for a lifetime of wellness.
✨Smile transformation alert—wait for it! ✨
Teen orthodontics can boost kids` confidence! 🦷💫
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our orthodontic care reflects our vision of beautiful and heathy smiles that are functional and esthetically pleasing for life!
When do you think the right time is for a teen orthodontic check? 👀👇
📞 Call (310) 837-6453
📧 Email info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
💙 Growing smiles with care, comfort, and heart.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #EarlyOrthodontics #HealthyBites #GrowingSmiles
❗️🦷 Why would a two-year-old already need dental surgery?
It’s a question that surprises many parents 👀
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we often see how frequent juice or sweetened milk in a sippy cup, especially at night 🌙, can harm baby teeth faster than candy. When sugars sit on teeth for long periods, cavities can develop quickly. One small change can make a big difference ✨. Gradually diluting juice with water over two weeks 💧, then offering only water, helps lower cavity risk and protect little smiles early.
Have you seen this happen before or heard about it from another parent? 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have questions about early dental care or want guidance for your child? 📞 Contact our office to schedule a visit. Our team is happy to help.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
💙 Gentle care, thoughtful guidance, and healthy smiles from the very beginning.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #EarlyDentalCare #HealthySmiles #ParentEducation
🦷 Where Pediatric Dentistry Needs to Be: From Fixing Teeth to Guiding Health
Dr. Reem, our founder at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, shares a heartfelt reflection on the evolving future of children’s oral care.
Even with amazing technology, many families still wait too long for dental support , often because simple questions go unanswered. 💭
This blog explores how earlier, gentler guidance can shift pediatric dentistry from reactive fixes to nurturing development and lifelong oral health. Click below to read Dr. Reem’s insights on whole-child care, virtual support, and compassionate guidance. 🌱✨
👉 Read more: https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/early-pediatric-dental-care
What’s one question you wished someone had answered sooner about your child’s oral health? Share below! 👇
Curious about early dental guidance or pediatric virtual care? contact our office, we would love to help!
Contact Information:
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Thoughtful guidance. Growing healthy smiles together. 😊
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist#PediatricDentist#PediatricOrthodontist#WestLosAngeles
#EarlyDentalCare#ChildrensOralHealth#TeethCare
Brushing battles at home? Here’s a simple hack to turn them into smiles! 🪥😁
Want to end toothbrush struggles? Let your child pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste! When they choose, the fight disappears — and brushing becomes fun again. 💛
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, Dr. Reem and our team believe that creating positive habits early makes all the difference. Gentle encouragement and a little independence go a long way toward healthy, happy smiles. 🌈
Parents — would this work in your house? Tell us below! 💬
Or contact us to learn how we make brushing fun for kids at every visit.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. ✨
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #BrushingTips #HealthyHabits
Happy Holidays from all of us at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics! 🎁✨
This season, we’re celebrating bright smiles, big laughter, and the little moments that make family time so special. 💕
Thank you to all the wonderful families who’ve trusted us to care for your children’s smiles this year — your support means the world to our team. 🦷🌈
Here’s to more giggles, healthy teeth, and joyful smiles in the new year ahead! 💫
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #HappyHolidays #HealthySmiles
Here are 3 hidden signs your baby might be teething — and it’s not just drooling! 👶🦷
1️⃣ Chewing on everything — Babies often gnaw on toys, fingers, or even crib rails to relieve gum pressure.
2️⃣ Irritability and fussiness — Sore gums can make little ones extra cranky, especially around nap or bedtime.
3️⃣ Changes in eating or sleeping habits — Some babies nurse or bottle-feed less, or wake more often at night.
Pro tip: A chilled teething ring or a clean, cool washcloth can help soothe sore gums and bring comfort. 💛
If you’re unsure whether your baby’s teething or something else is causing discomfort, our gental team is here to help guide you through every stage of your little one’s smile journey. 💬
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #BabyTeething #TeethingTips
Why do some toddlers need fillings at just 2 years old? 🍼🦷
It’s something that happens with prolonged bottle feeding and has been called baby bottle cavities. The condition is also called early childhood caries.
Constant sipping on juice or milk means teeth are bathed in sugar all day, and baby enamel is thinner, so those cavities spread fast.
The good news? A few simple habits can protect your little one’s smile — switch to water between meals, avoid overnight bottles, and start early dental visits. 💧😊
Your child’s healthy smile starts with gentle prevention and loving guidance. 💕
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈 #SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #KidsCavities #BabyBottleCavities
Why do some teens have worn teeth — even before they’ve had cavities? 😬🦷
Nighttime grinding, or bruxism, can wear teeth down just as quickly as decay. It’s more common than you might think, especially during times of stress, growth, or orthodontic changes.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, our team gently evaluate for signs of grinding and offer comfortable, custom solutions to help protect growing smiles. 💛
Have you ever noticed your teen grinding their teeth at night? We’d love to hear your experience below — or contact us to learn how we can help keep those smiles strong and healthy. 💬
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #TeenDentalHealth #TeethGrinding
