Braces, retainers, and getting wisdom teeth pulled are all so common in our society that many people view them as a rite of passage. Many of these milestones are experienced in childhood and are often required because children's jaws aren't fully developing. Underdeveloped jaws, without treatment, often cause TMJ disorders which come with additional problems.
Stanford University researchers suggest that these problems haven't always existed and that they are problems now because the human jaw is shrinking. This trend would explain the malocclusions and wisdom teeth pain that plague so many people around the world.
TMJ and Childhood Focus
Where do childhood jaw growth and focus connect? TMJ disorders can cause:
- Chronic pain
- Sleep apnea
- Sleep deprivation
If your child is suffering from one of these conditions, it may result in them:
- Becoming distracted easily
- Frequently daydreaming
- Being forgetful
- Regularly making careless mistakes
- Squirming or fidgeting
The Relationship to Jaw Growth
Research suggests a correlation between concentration and jaw development. Insufficient jaw development can lead to unbalanced jaw positioning.
- Your child's trouble focusing may result from chronic tooth or jaw pain that they are having trouble expressing to you. Pain can be unpleasant and distracting for children.
- Jaw development can have long-lasting effects on a variety of systems and processes. The position of the jaw establishes the amount of room in the mouth. Without adequate space for a person's teeth and tongue, this could lead to a breathing obstruction, especially during sleep when the tongue rests further back in the mouth.
- Sleep deprivation can make concentrating incredibly challenging. Toothaches and headaches can cause children to be more forgetful, prone to daydreaming, or careless with their schoolwork.
How Can the Center for Exceptional Dentistry Help Your Child?
Dr. Firouzi has a tremendous amount of experience in orthodontics and remodeling patient's jaws to relieve pain. If your child is experiencing difficulty concentrating or sleeping, it may result from undiagnosed TMJ disorder. To learn more about your child's options for treatment, call Dr. Firouzi today at (412) 274-1126 or visit our contact page here.