Following on from my last blog post about jaw dysfunction, I wanted to share some tips with you to check your own child’s jaw.

You’ll need a tape measure, a pen light (or the torch option on your phone), and your hands.

Firstly, let’s cover what jaw (TMJ) dysfunction might look like in your child.

Neurologically speaking, the jaw is closely linked to three major areas of the brain and nervous system - the midbrain, the vagus nerve and the vestibular system. It actually has an impact on most of the brain and nervous system, but these are the three areas I will be focusing on with you today, as they are the regions when working with children that seem to have the greatest impact.

There is some argument about whether birth is traumatic enough to injure soft tissues and ligaments in the neck and face. There is some evidence to suggest that it’s possible, though to what extent is still not known. If newborn babies can get a haematoma/bruise on their head or face, or have their shoulders get stuck, then it’s not too big of a jump to question what happens to the neck and the jaw.

I want to be clear here and say that there’s no definitive evidence that any kind of birth can impact TMJ function in babies. Because it hasn’t been scientifically proven yet, does that mean it doesn’t happen? I’d argue no. My experience with babies would suggest that some do have jaw dysfunction from birth onwards. I haven’t seen a correlation between birth methods and musculoskeletal injury - I’ve seen completely drug free vaginal home births result in babies with torticollis, and I’ve seen emergency cesarian delivery babies with absolutely no musculoskeletal problems (I have also heard that some cesarian babies are birthed with the doctor using their jaw to hold onto, which would increase the risk of having some trauma to the muscles and ligaments in the area).

What are some signs that your baby’s jaw is misaligned?

Babies might have difficulty with attaching or feeding, they might have a head preference, or they might just seem irritable for an unknown reason.

Older children may begin to grind their teeth, or have bit pattern irregularities, or get fatigued when they chew and eat a lot. If they’re old enough to express and pin point pain, they might complain of jaw or temple pain.

How to check your child for TMJ dysfunction.

Vertical facial measurements

Measure from the outer edge of your child’s eye to the outer edge of their lip. These measurements should be almost equal. Human faces are asymmetrical and you may never get perfectly equal measurements, but anything greater than about 3mm difference could signify a jaw issue.

Light sensitivity

Shine the pen light right into their eye. If they blink hard, withdraw by pushing you and/or looking away, or their eyes get watery, this is a sign their midbrain is overly sensitive. While not the only cause of midbrain sensitivity, jaw dysfunction is a common one.

Sound sensitivity

When they aren’t expecting, clap loudly next to their ear. Look for the same as the light test. Sound sensitivity also indicates the midbrain is overly wound up, which might suggest a jaw issue.

Body range of motion

There are three places that seem to be connected to jaw dysfunction. Check if their neck can move side to side equally each way. Next, while seated check if their shoulder moves equally each side (draw the arm backwards with straight elbow). Finally, check the hips while laying on their back. With the knee straight, open the leg as wide as it will go. Word of warning – kids are much more flexible than adults! It will appear like their hips in particular will just keep going. It is difficult to hurt them doing so, so don’t be worried.

If old enough, ask them to say the “sssss” sound like in snake.

Does their jaw move sideways or forwards when they make that sound? It should remain in the very centre of the face, with a slight gap between teeth. If it doesn’t, the jaw is attempting to recorrect itself with movement.

Do you suspect your child has a jaw issue? If you’re seeking a natural approach to TMJ dysfunction in children, finding a chiropractor who understands the jaw and it’s effect on the brain might be a good place to start.