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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
Brighter smiles, faster healing, light and care—this is the evolution of laser dentistry.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Solea® and Gemini™ lasers help us provide safe, comfortable, and modern dental care for kids and teens. Our latest blog takes you inside the evolution of laser technology in dentistry—from light to healing.
Blog 👉 https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/light-to-healing-the-evolution-of-laser-in-pediatric-dentistry
Written by our wonderful Dr. Reem, this article traces the journey of dental lasers from Einstein’s early vision to today’s advanced Solea® and Gemini™ systems, showing how this innovation is shaping the future of pediatric care and transforming smiles with comfort and precision.
💬 Curious about the benefits of laser dentistry? Share your thoughts or questions below!
📩 Contact us to see how lasers can make your child’s next visit gentler.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 West LA
💡 From light to healing — intelligent, gentle, and supportive care every step of the way.
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Why do my child’s permanent teeth seem yellower than the baby ones?
👀✨ Why do your child’s permanent teeth look yellower than their baby teeth? Swipe to discover this smile secret! ➡️🦷💛
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe every smile tells a story — and we’re here to nurture yours with gentle care and the latest technology. Your child’s smile journey is important to us, and we’re honored to support healthy, confident smiles in a warm, welcoming space right here in West Los Angeles. 🌟😊
Ready to give your child’s smile the care it deserves? We’re here to help with kindness and expertise every step of the way. Reach out anytime — we can’t wait to meet you! 🤗💫
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Healthy smiles start here! 💛🦷
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💛 Your child’s smile is just the beginning — there’s a whole hidden world of teeth waiting to grow in. 🧡
✨ Many parents wonder why their child will have more permanent teeth than baby teeth. The answer lies in how permanent teeth develop behind the 20 baby teeth 🦷💛. All baby teeth are eventually replaced, but permanent molars also grow in behind—first molars, second molars, and later wisdom teeth 🌟.
💛 At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to supporting every stage of your child’s dental growth with compassionate, expert care 🤗.Ready to start your journey with us? Call today.
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles
Caring for bright smiles and confident kids with heart and expertise 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #PermanentTeeth #BabyTeeth #DentalDevelopment #WestLA #KidsDentist #BabyteethMatter
💭 Not every wisdom tooth needs to go — but how do you know which ones can stay? 🦷💛🧡
Wisdom teeth removal isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Some grow in healthy and aligned, while others become impacted or cause crowding. At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we monitor each teen’s dental development with care so families can make the right choice at the right time.
💬 Have you or your teen kept your wisdom teeth? Or did you need them removed? Share your story in the comments — your experience could help another parent.
📩 Wondering if your teen’s wisdom teeth should be monitored or removed? Send us a DM or call our office for a personalized consultation.
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring for bright smiles and confident kids with heart and expertise 💛🧡
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #WisdomTeethRemoval #KeepingWisdomTeeth #TeenDentalCare #ImpactedWisdomTeeth #OralSurgeryForTeens
💛 Your baby’s first challenges aren’t always visible — sometimes, they’re hidden in their mouth. 🧡
Welcoming a baby is joyful, but learning to breastfeed can be a challenge, especially when issues like tongue-tie or lip-tie make feeding more difficult. At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that breastfeeding is a skill — for both parent and baby — and it takes time, patience, and the right care and support to make it work. 🤱👶
Have you experienced challenges with your baby’s feeding journey? Share your story with us — your insight might help another parent feel less alone.
If you have questions about tongue- or lip-ties, or think your baby might need an evaluation, we’re here to help with compassionate, evidence-based care. Send us a DM or call our office today.
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
💛 Gentle care for little smiles, right from the very beginning. 🧡
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #TongueTieAwareness #LipTieSupport
🦷 Your teen’s last set of molars could be their trickiest. Do you know why? 💛🧡
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to appear — but they don’t always arrive quietly. They can crowd, shift, or become impacted, leading to pain or infection if not monitored closely. At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we help families understand when these teeth need a little extra attention.
💬 Have your teen’s wisdom teeth started coming in? Share your experience below — we’d love to hear your story.
📩 If you’re noticing swelling, discomfort, or crowding, message us or call today to schedule an evaluation.
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring for bright smiles and confident kids with heart and expertise 💛🧡
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #WisdomTeeth #ImpactedWisdomTeeth #OralSurgeryForTeens #DentalCrowding #HealthyTeenSmiles #WisdomTeethRemoval
✨ Wondering how many baby teeth your little one will have? Most children develop 20 baby teeth — 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom — setting the foundation for a healthy smile 🌟🦷.
💛 At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to support your family’s dental journey with gentle, expert care every step of the way 🤗.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
Caring for bright smiles and confident kids with heart and expertise 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #BabyTeethCount #GentlePediatricDentistry
#WestLA
#PediatricDentist
#KidsDentist
#babyteethmatter
#PediatricOrthodontist
Why does my child grind their teeth at night?
😴🦷 Notice your child grinding their teeth at night? Wonder why it happens? Swipe to find out! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know every family’s smile journey is unique. We’re here to offer gentle, expert care in a warm and welcoming environment right here in West Los Angeles — supporting your child’s health and happiness every step of the way. 💛😊
If you’re curious or concerned about your child’s nighttime habits, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help with kindness and care.
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Sweet dreams and healthy smiles start here! 💛🦷
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