Nothing is more beautiful than your child’s smile. While you see perfection, there might be subtle signs their teeth aren’t as flawless as they appear. Children can show signs of orthodontic complications early, even before their first permanent tooth erupts. Without the right intervention, bite and alignment problems can affect more than just the appearance of their smile. Misaligned teeth can compromise their oral health and development. You can save them from a future of lengthy orthodontic treatments with early intervention. Here are 7 red flags indicating your child should have a consultation with an orthodontist.
Does My Child Need Braces?
Few people are born with naturally straight teeth, which is why 75% of all children and teens have dental problems requiring the skills of an orthodontist. Various factors cause teeth and jaw misalignment concerns, including thumb sucking, genetics, or accidents. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends scheduling a consultation for braces around the age of 7; however, if you notice any red flags before then, don’t wait to contact their orthodontist, such as:
- Difficulty Biting and Chewing: Dental problems can affect your child’s ability to bite and chew. They may bite the insides of their lips, cheeks, or tongue often.
- Teeth Grinding: Habitual teeth grinding, especially at night, can indicate an alignment issue that can damage their primary and permanent teeth without correction.
- Mouth Breathing: Mouth breathing can influence your child’s facial appearance and teeth positions. It can indicate their jaw is too narrow for their tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth correctly.
- Bad Oral Habits: Finger or thumb sucking can cause the front teeth to move forward while crowding the lower teeth. Eventually, it can lead to an open bite that can harm their oral health, functions, and development.
- Overcrowding: Blocked or misplaced teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and dental emergencies. Overcrowding can also cause mouth breaking, lisps, and additional dental problems.
- Shifting or Clicking Jaw: Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth can be caused by poorly aligned teeth.
- Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth: Prematurely losing a baby tooth can cause their remaining teeth to block the space for the permanent one to erupt. If a tooth erupts too late, it can lead to overcrowding.
Invest in Your Child’s Smile
It’s never too early to invest in your child’s smile. Early orthodontics can fix bite and alignment concerns while they are still small to support your child’s oral health and development. Not to mention, you’ll save them from lengthy treatments later. Braces for children can give them the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Aaron DeMaio
Dr. DeMaio earned his dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine before continuing his training in orthodontics at the Tufts-New England Medical Center. He is a proud member of various professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists. If your child needs an orthodontic consultation, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.