Every parent wants the best for their child, including a healthy, beautiful smile. However, many don’t realize that orthodontic issues can start early, sometimes before all of the adult teeth have even come in. The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented with the right habits and timely care. In this article, explore how to prevent early orthodontic issues in children and get practical tips from Designer Smiles by Benton’s board-certified orthodontists to help keep those growing smiles on track.
Orthodontic Issues? What, Like A Broken Wire?
Technically, a broken bracket is an orthodontic issue, but it’s not what we’re discussing today. Orthodontic issues, also called malocclusion and misalignment, are when the teeth, upper jaw, and lower jaw don’t align as they should. Common examples of orthodontic issues include:
- Overcrowding: This occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, leading to crooked or overlapping teeth.
- Overbite: A condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth, potentially causing gum problems or wearing down the lower teeth.
- Underbite: When the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, it can lead to difficulty chewing and speaking, as well as facial asymmetry.
- Crossbite: A situation where some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down, which can cause uneven wear on the teeth and even jaw issues.
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth can result from missing teeth, small teeth, or an oversized jaw, leading to alignment issues.
- Overjet: Similar to an overbite but more severe.
These problems are more than just a matter of looks—they can make it challenging for your kid to chew properly, keep their teeth clean, and talk clearly. Over time, untreated orthodontic problems can lead to more serious health issues, including uneven wear of tooth surfaces and, in severe cases, jaw joint dysfunction.
Fortunately, you can minimize your child’s risk of misalignments and malocclusions. Let’s find out how.
Prevention Tip #1: Encourage Good Habits At Home
Starting a few good habits early can play a huge role in preventing malocclusions and misalignments as your child grows. It’s all about setting up routines that keep their teeth and jaws in tip-top shape.
- Dental Hygiene: Get your child into the routine of brushing and flossing twice a day. A good, consistent oral hygiene routine will keep the gums and teeth healthy and help prevent premature tooth loss, which can cause misalignment by literally giving the teeth room to move around.
- Promote Healthy Biting Habits: Keep an eye out for your child chomping on hard objects like pens or ice. This can put too much pressure on their teeth, potentially cracking them or causing them to move out of line. It’s like pressing on a wobbly fence post—it might just lean over more.
- Avoid Prolonged Thumb Sucking: If thumb or pacifier sucking goes on too long, it can really misshape your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. The constant pressure of the thumb in the mouth can cause the upper arch to narrow, misaligning the bite and leading to an open bite, where front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.
Following these simple, easy-to-incorporate guidelines does more than help your children avoid malocclusions—it also gives them the best start for a lifetime of a healthy, confident smile.
Prevention Tip #2: Early Orthodontic Assessments Are Crucial
Scheduling an early orthodontic assessment for your child—ideally around age 7—can make a world of difference in their long-term dental health. At this stage, an orthodontist can spot potential malocclusion and misalignment problems that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Early detection allows for a proactive approach, addressing issues before they appear or become more severe.
You don’t have to wait for your child’s pediatric dentist to refer you to schedule an orthodontic smile assessment. In fact, it’s not recommended. Because dentists don’t have the specialized training an orthodontist receives after dental school, they might miss things an orthodontist would see, so if your child is nearing age seven, go ahead and schedule their initial orthodontic appointment.
Prevention Tip #3: Timely Intervention Is Also Crucial
When it comes to your child’s orthodontic health, timely intervention can be a game-changer, especially while their bones are still developing. During childhood, the bones in your child’s jaw are more flexible and responsive to treatment, making it the perfect time to address issues like overcrowding, misalignment, or bite problems. Taking advantage of this critical developmental phase can reduce the severity of malocclusion and even shorten the length of future orthodontic treatments.
For example, if an orthodontist notices that your child’s jaw isn’t developing enough space for incoming adult teeth, a palate expander can be used to gently guide the growth of the jaw, creating more room before their bones fully harden. Similarly, partial braces can be applied early to correct misaligned teeth while they’re easier to move and make room for incoming teeth.
Prevention Tip #4: Mouthguards & Helmets Are Always In Style
Mouthguards and helmets might not seem like the coolest gear to most children, but they’re crucial for protecting their growing smiles. A mouthguard can prevent serious orthodontic problems by cushioning teeth against impacts during sports. Whether basketball, soccer, or a pickup game in the yard, a custom-fitted mouthguard reduces the risk of chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and even misalignment. (Please note: We do not offer orthodontic mouthguards at Designer Smiles by Benton, but we will happily provide you with some resources or advice upon request.)
Helmets are just as important, especially for biking, skateboarding, or any contact sport. A well-fitted helmet can prevent not only head injuries but also trauma to the jaw that could lead to complex orthodontic issues. Even a minor fall could push teeth out of alignment or cause damage that requires braces or other corrective measures.
Making sure your child wears a mouthguard and helmet is an easy way to protect their teeth and jaw from injury. It’s a simple step that goes a long way in safeguarding their orthodontic health.
Protect Your Child’s Health & Confidence With Designer Smiles!
At Designer Smiles by Benton, we’re committed to helping your child achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. With locations in Oxford and Pell City, AL, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way, from early assessments to timely interventions and prevention. Don’t wait—reach out today to schedule a consultation and set your child on the path to optimal orthodontic health. Visit us at bracesbybenton.com/free-consult or call (256) 237-1537 to schedule a free consultation as the first step toward a brighter future for your child’s smile!