Drooling in Kids: What You Need To Know
Apr 07, 2025By Samira Reddy
Hearing your child complain about jaw pain can be worrying. Is it just a minor issue, or is there something more serious going on? Jaw pain in kids is not uncommon, but it should never be ignored.Â
Whether it’s caused by teeth grinding, an infection, or an underlying medical condition, understanding the reasons is important. Read below this article to explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment of jaw pain in kids.Â
Why Does My Child Have Jaw Pain?
Usually, kids don’t always have the words to describe their pain. They might say their mouth hurts, refuse to eat, or complain of headaches. According to studies, jaw pain in kids can be due to multiple causes, ranging from mild to serious.
One of the most common reasons is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull, allowing it to move when we chew, talk, and yawn. When this joint becomes irritated, it can cause discomfort, clicking sounds, and even headaches. In fact, around 7 percent of children experience TMD symptoms, and many cases go undiagnosed.
Another frequent cause is bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Another study reported that about 30 percent of children grind their teeth at night. If your child wakes up with a sore jaw or complains of pain during the day, bruxism could be the reason.Â
Other Causes of Jaw Pain in Children
Aside from TMD and teeth grinding, here are some other potential reasons why your child may have jaw pain:
- Dental problems such as cavities, gum infections, or an abscessed tooth can cause pain that spreads to the jaw. According to the CDC, tooth decay is a major concern that affects nearly 50 percent of kids aged 6-8.
- Injuries – Kids are often at a higher risk of jaw fractures or sprains. Moreover, a direct hit to the face can result in swelling, bruising, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
- Infections – Viral infections such as mumps, which cause swelling in the salivary glands, can lead to jaw pain. While mumps is rare due to vaccinations, bacterial infections in the mouth can still cause discomfort.
- Arthritis – Juvenile arthritis is another uncommon but can affect the jaw joint, which makes it painful for children to move their mouths.
Signs of Jaw Pain That Need Attention
Here are a few symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
- Swelling or redness around the jaw
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Fever, which may indicate an infection
How Can You Help Your Child?
Jaw pain can be managed easily with simple remedies at home. Here’s how you can help you child deal with jaw pain.
- Use a cold or warm compress to help with swelling. Usually, a warm one can relax tense jaw muscles.
- Encourage soft foods – Chewing tough foods can make jaw pain worse. Therefore, choose soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and other easy-to-eat meals.
- Monitor teeth grinding – If you suspect bruxism, you can talk to a dentist about possible solutions.
- Manage stress – Anxiety and stress are other major contributors of jaw clenching. Therefore, it is helpful to use relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Final Thoughts
Jaw pain in kids is usually temporary. However, it is important to pay attention to recurring symptoms to prevent minor issues from turning into bigger problems. If your child frequently complains about jaw discomfort, seek professional advice immediately.
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