It’s not always easy to predict your child’s future. They could want to grow up to be a firefighter one week, and an astronaut the next. You can invest in their favorite cereal in bulk on Saturday and they’ll be sick of it by Wednesday. But believe it or not, there are ways to tell if they may need braces in the future. Here’s what you need to look out for to protect their oral health.
Early Oral Health Red Flags
One of the earliest indicators that your child could need braces is if they are having difficulty chewing or frequently biting their cheeks when they do. This can be a sign of crowding or a bad bite. They may also experience:
- Abnormal enamel wear
- Late or early loss of baby teeth
Why Does My Child Need Braces?
There can be many reasons your child may need orthodontic work, however usually it is caused by genetics. Typically, it has to do with the size of your child’s jaw and the shape of their teeth, both of which are inherited. If the jaws are small, or the teeth are too big, this can cause crowding. Other reasons can include environmental factors such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use, mouth breathing, injury, or even poor oral health.
What Happens if My Child’s Orthodontic Problems Aren’t Treated?
While orthodontic problems may not seem like that big of a deal, if left untreated they can cause your child many other oral health issues, including:
- Tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Abnormal enamel wear
- Speaking and eating difficulties
- Crowding or poor alignment
- Cleaning difficulties
- Cavities or tooth decay
Remember, early orthodontic intervention can address a variety of oral health conditions before they get a chance to wreak havoc on your child’s mouth. Whether they have crowding, a bad bite, or their teeth have grown in crooked due to environmental or genetic factors, correcting these issues early on can be extremely beneficial in protecting their teeth and gums, all the while creating a beautiful, even smile they can be proud to share!
About Dr. Rogers
Dr. Kim Rogers loves helping kids smile! She is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists (a distinction that only 1 in 3 orthodontists achieve) and is proud to be serving her community by helping them achieve optimal oral health!
To schedule an appointment at KidSmiles Dental + Orthodontics, please visit our website or call us today at 972-884-5450.
