Why ignoring orthodontic issues in children can be risky – Read now!

Statistical data indicates that 15% of US citizens suffer from orthodontic issues. Of that 15%, 27 percent are adults. Orthodontic issues start to manifest from as early as 5 years of age. If they are not treated on time, these issues persist during adulthood. Orthodontic treatment is more successful in children because their teeth and jaws are still growing, and there is room for improvement.

As a parent, you should remain vigilant about budding orthodontic issues with your child. Early intervention and timely treatment nip these dental issues in the bud and ensure your child will have a healthy set of teeth as an adult.

So, let us look at some telltale signs that indicate growing orthodontic issues in children.

Improper Chewing

• Misaligned bites and crowded teeth impact the optimal functioning of the buccal cavity; chewing being the most important of them. If you find your child struggling with chewing their food properly, investigate to determine the root cause.

A pair of well-aligned teeth work in unison to break down food particles into tiny pieces. However, when both sets of teeth don’t close together properly, it can make biting, chewing, and grinding of food much harder.

• Difficulty in chewing can lead to digestive issues and stomach pain. Therefore, the best course of action is to consult an orthodontist who will examine the issue and recommend the most suitable treatment for your child.

Teeth Crowding

• Teeth crowding begins from the age of 5-6 when a child starts losing baby teeth and permanent teeth emerge in their place. Teeth crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space to accommodate all the teeth, so some teeth overlap or grow in twisted positions. Crowded teeth are not only aesthetically unpleasant but also make it difficult to brush and floss properly.

Improper dental hygiene can cause cavities and dental decay. If you notice that your child’s permanent teeth are growing at odd places, consult an orthodontist immediately. After a thorough examination, the orthodontists will recommend an appropriate treatment, which in most cases is the use of braces or aligners.

• If your child’s teeth are coming out all twisted, we recommend you visit an orthodontist at your earliest convenience.

Presence of Gap and Spacing Between Teeth

• Sometimes, children develop a noticeable gap between adjacent teeth. Excessive gaps and spacing usually occur between your front teeth. A noticeable gap not only looks odd but can also become a breeding ground for bacteria due to trapped food particles. Spacing or gaps can develop because of numerous reasons, such as missing teeth, irregular size or shape of a tooth, etc. Persistent thumb sucking in children can also lead to the development of spacing between adjacent teeth.

An orthodontist will examine the underlying cause for the the spacing between teeth and recommend a treatment accordingly. The most common treatment options include the use of dental bonding, veneer, braces, and Invisalign.

Mouth Breathing and Snoring

• Mouth breathing and snoring are two important signs to look out for. You may think that these conditions have no apparent link with teeth. However, misaligned jaw joints can cause or exacerbate these conditions. Since the nasal cavity rests on the upper jaw, narrow dental arches in the upper jaw can reduce the size of the nasal cavities.

Narrow nasal cavities make it difficult to breathe through the nose; hence, the phenomena of mouth breathing and snoring occur. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist if you find your child snoring and mouth breathing excessively.

• Contact Icon Dental Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment for your children’s orthodontic needs in Seattle or Everett. Our expert dentists are dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatment, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Trust us to help your child achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. For consultations or bookings, call us at 206-225-2882 for Seattle and (425) 337-2400 for Everett appointments.