If your teenager has been complaining of jaw clicking, headaches, or facial soreness, TMD is a real possibility worth considering — it's notably more common in teens, especially girls, than most people assume.
Common causes in teenagers
- Orthodontic treatment: braces and retainers change bite alignment, which can strain the jaw during treatment (see our full breakdown of braces and TMJ)
- Sports injuries: direct trauma to the jaw from contact sports is a common trigger at this age
- Stress-related clenching: academic pressure, social anxiety, and sleep disruption are all linked to increased teeth grinding and jaw clenching in teens
What symptoms look like in this age group
Largely the same as in adults: jaw or facial discomfort, clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty chewing or biting, headaches, and occasionally a jaw that locks open or closed. Because teens may not always connect these symptoms to their jaw, or may not mention them at all, it's worth asking directly if you notice signs like frequent headaches or a habit of clenching.
Treatment approach
The good news: most TMD in teenagers responds well to the same conservative, non-invasive approaches used for adults — gentle exercises, stress management, posture correction, and habit awareness. Surgical or aggressive interventions are rarely the first step at this age. Our Posture Correction Program and Bruxism & Overuse Relief program are both gentle enough to be reasonable starting points for teenagers, though a pediatric dentist or orthodontist should be involved for an actual diagnosis, especially if orthodontic treatment is part of the picture.