Headaches in Children

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If a child is suffering from headaches, it could be caused by a structural imbalance between the upper and lower jaws. There are three main types: a narrow upper arch, a deficient lower jaw and a deep overbite. Regardless of the cause for the imbalance, it may result in a number of symptoms:

  • Tired jaws
  • Headaches
  • Neck ache
  • Clicking jaw joints
  • Sore teeth
  • Worn teeth
  • Ear ache
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Facial deformity
  • Dizziness

Tired Jaws
The human jaw is designed so well that it is impossible for the jaws to become tired unless they are not properly aligned. So, if your child complains of tired jaws after chewing gum or eating chewy foods, it’s usually one of the earliest signs that something is wrong with their chewing system. The most common problem is a lower jaw that is deficient or well behind the upper jaw, and it often appears as protruding upper teeth, it’s actually a misalignment of the lower jaw. A dentist trained in TMJ dysfunction can help determine the cause.

Headaches
Typical children are healthy, pain-free and have relatively low stress levels, and painful headaches are not normal, especially in young children. Therefore, headaches may be a sign that your child’s system is overloaded from jaw joint problems. Headaches that occur once or twice a month are an early warning sign that should be taken seriously.

Neck Aches
When a jaw problem is combined with poor posture, it can significantly strain the neck muscles, creating pain and discomfort. And if the structural issues are not corrected, these problems can get worse as the child ages. Early evaluation and treatment can go a long way to providing a lifetime of better health and comfort for our young patients.

If your child has any of the above problems, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Rondeau and his staff. For an assessment appointment please call 519-455-4110.