Having straight and healthy teeth is very important for your child’s physical and emotional development, that’s why getting braces is the best way to ensure proper oral health of your kids. Even though the perfect time for kids to start wearing braces is between 9 and 14 (that’s when most of their baby teeth are gone), parents can tell whether there will be a need for such aid much earlier. Here are some of the most common telltale signs.
Early baby teeth loss
Usually, kids don’t start losing their baby teeth before the age of 6, with the last of baby teeth falling out during early puberty, around the age of 12. However, if you notice your kids losing teeth way before they turn 6, it’s a sign they might have dental issues in the future. The same goes if your kid still has baby teeth after they turn 14 or 15.
Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing is an issue that is often caused by overcrowding in the mouth, which then affects breathing. When there’s no sufficient space for all the teeth, they start to grow over each other, causing breathing problems and crooked teeth. If left untreated, crowding will only get worse as the teeth grow and can cause many complications. Even simple tasks like flossing or brushing can demand a lot of time and effort.
Speech impediments
Some speech impediments can be rooted in abnormal teeth or jaw positioning. If the teeth don’t have a proper position, some sounds will be very difficult to pronounce. This can not only lead to speech impediments, but also ruin your child’s confidence and cause them to retreat and become frustrated.
Improper bite
As soon as you notice your child’s bite is not properly aligned, it’s time to see the dentist. There are several types of teeth overlap that cause issues like overbite (front teeth stick out), crossbite (upper tooth is behind the lower opposing tooth or vice versa), underbite (lower teeth stick out) or openbite (the front upper and lower teeth don’t touch). All of these abnormal bites can cause problems like teeth trauma, inability to have dental work done, lisps, difficulty biting and chewing or imbalanced facial appearance. Luckily, if you act in time and fit your child with quality kids braces, their bite will go back to normal. Braces can also ensure your kid has a beautiful smile and healthy oral cavity.
Protruding jaw
Oftentimes, if your kid’s jaw is positioned abnormally, it’s a sign they need or will need braces in the future. Some kids move their jaw in an odd way (it might be positioned in a weird way in their mouth) or protrude or recede the jaw. In some extreme cases, the jaw can even make sounds. All of this calls for a dentist visit.
Biting of the mouth
If your kid often bites the inside of their mouth (cheek or the roof of the mouth), either purposely or accidentally, it can be a sign of teeth or jaw misalignment. As soon as you notice the issue or your kid complains about the bites, it’s best to see a dentist. Children with such an issue can get used to the bites and not feel them anymore, but the act can cause serious infections and gum issues.
Difficulty chewing
Children who chew awkwardly or have a hard time finishing their food might not be picky at all. Their problem could be dental, with their jaw or teeth misaligned, which causes difficulty or inability to bite down. However, braces can fix the issues and allow them to enjoy their meals.
Keep your both eyes open for these issues, since they allow you to catch the problem in its early stages and even help you start saving money for braces in advance.
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