You’ve always made your child’s teeth a priority. You make sure your son or daughter brushes and flosses every day. Annual visits to the dentist are never missed. Your efforts have paid off as you keep the cavities away. However, you still may have concerns about your child’s teeth when it comes to the bite or alignment. Pay attention to common problems that may require an orthodontist’s help.
Thumb Sucking Went on Too Long
Thumb sucking is a common coping device for children. It’s a habit that helps them to calm down when they are upset. Many little ones use thumb sucking as a comfort when they are trying to fall asleep. Your child should stop thumb sucking by the age of three. Many will stop much earlier. Thumb sucking that is prolonged as a child grows older can cause issues with the position of his or her teeth. An orthodontist can pinpoint any problems in order to find solutions.
Your Child’s Teeth are Not Straight
You want your child to have a beautiful smile. Crooked teeth get in the way. They point to a bigger problem. Crowding is typically caused by a lack of space in the mouth. If you don’t solve the problem, your child could have issues with his or her wisdom teeth. It may be harder to avoid tooth decay. Crooked teeth could also have a serious impact on your child’s self-esteem.
Your Child Has Large Gaps Between his or her Teeth
Too much space is as much of a concern as not enough when it comes to your child’s mouth. That large gap between the front teeth might be endearing for a toddler. It’s not so appealing as an adult. Space issues are not likely to correct themselves. If all of your child’s adult teeth have come in while gaps are still in place, it’s time to see an orthodontist.
Your Child’s Bite is Off
Your child may have an overbite or underbite that is quite obvious. Problems with your child’s bite could lead to a TMJ disorder or sleep apnea in adulthood. Your child may be self-conscious about his or her smile when the bite isn’t correct. An orthodontist can explore options to correct the problem. You can find the right one by searching phrases like “Invisalign near me” on Google.
Your Child Experiences Difficulty with Chewing or Speech
Problems with your child’s teeth and their position can have a negative impact on more than your child’s appearance. You may notice your child struggles to bite certain types of food. Chewing could be difficult. You may hear a popping sound when your child eats. Your child may also have a speech impediment. The root of these problems may be due to orthodontic concerns.
Your Child Breathes through his or her Mouth at Night
You know your child’s sleep habits better than anyone else. You’ve lost count of the number of times you’ve stood by the crib, by the bed, or by the couch after your son or daughter nods off. If your child always breathes through his or her mouth while asleep, pay attention. There could be a concern with the position of your child’s jaw or teeth. An orthodontist is the best resource for solutions.
There’s a Problem with When Your Child’s Teeth Fall Out or Come in
Timing is everything when it comes to a healthy set of teeth. Your dentist can fill you in on normal times for your child’s baby teeth to fall out. If baby teeth fall out early, orthodontic problems could result in the long run. The same holds true if adult teeth don’t come in when they should. Crowding could be the end result. An orthodontist could maintain your child’s teeth in the proper position, leaving enough room for any missing teeth to arrive in their own time.
If you have any concerns about the position of your child’s teeth or jaw, a visit to the orthodontist can begin as early as the age of seven. Once you have had your first consultation, you’ll be given a plan of action. Clear aligners, braces, or other dental appliances may be recommended as early as the age of 9. Acting before the teen years may shorten the length of orthodontic treatment for your child.