When should you take your kids to the orthodontist?
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Children grow up differently, and there is no specific time to visit an orthodontist since some may need braces earlier than others. However, there are things you need to check out in your kid as he/she grows up, even though some specialists recommend that a child should visit an orthodontist between 7 to 10 years. Here are several reasons to take your child to a specialist.
Overbite or under-bite
An overbite or under-bite can be so uncomfortable for your child. It happens when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth. Although protruding of the upper teeth is normal, watch out for excessive protrude.
Sometimes your child will find it hard closing the lips when the upper teeth protrude in excess. These are signs that you should seek help from a professional. Look for orthodontists with good recommendations in your area, for instance, if you live in New York you might search for an orthodontist in New York to assess the problem and find a possible solution.
Teeth gaps
The gap between your child’s permanent teeth indicates a problem that needs care from an orthodontist. Sometimes, you will notice that the child’s permanent teeth are growing crookedly, or some teeth could also be missing.
It isn’t a usual thing for a child to lose teeth at a young age or in an irregular manner. In this case, you need to take your child for early medical care to mitigate the situation as soon as possible.
Teeth overcrowding or overlapping
Many children experience overcrowded or overlapped teeth when growing up. This is not to be taken lightly since it would be hard to keep the teeth clean, risking your child’s overall hygiene and health. For instance, overcrowded teeth can quickly block other teeth’ growth and cause your child to become very uncomfortable when chewing.
When you notice overcrowding or teeth overlapping, consult an orthodontist as soon as possible. If the teeth remain unattended when the child is still young, it’ll leave large gaps when you seek professional care at a later stage. This will make your child have issues with chewing, or it can also be painful.
Popping sound when biting
Another sign that it is time to visit an orthodontist is when your child produces a popping sound when moving the jaw. It could mean that the child has chewing problems, biting issues, or, even worse, talking.
The general problem could be with the child’s jaw. Sometimes, the child can bite themselves repeatedly in the cheek, which is usually a painful and distressing moment. If you notice this, do not hesitate to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Breathing problems
In some cases, you will notice that your child has breathing problems. This may not necessarily be related to other health issues. Instead, it could be an indication that your child has problems with the jaw. The child will breathe through the mouth rather than the nose. Visit an orthodontist to find a possible solution and help your child breathe normally and ease sleep for both of you.
Thumb sucking
When your child starts to such a finger or thumb, it becomes hard to control the habit. The child can continue sucking for years, and if you do not stop him/her, you will need to visit an orthodontist to get braces or other forms of treatment.
Thumb sucking is not something you should encourage your child to continue with. Try to prevent your child within the early years to stop the habit because it becomes addictive at some point, making it hard for your child to stop. However, if you didn’t control the habit earlier, you need to keep checking your child’s teeth and evaluate whether to visit an orthodontist or not.
Dentist recommendation
Sometimes, you may not be sure if your child needs to visit an orthodontist. In this case, a dentist can help you determine whether your child needs orthodontist care. Dentists often recommend that a child visits an orthodontist in the early years to take preventive measures and avoid severe problems later.
The bottom line
As a parent, you need to keep a close eye on your child’s teeth and monitor each progress as the child grows. You might discover problems as early as possible, unlike when you choose to ignore them. When you realize any changes in your child’s teeth or jaw, visit an orthodontist as soon as possible to help boost your child’s self-esteem as he/she grows up.