10 Warning Signs Your Child Needs Braces
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children get their first dental checkup within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. If you wait until your child is three years old, however, that means three more years to identify potential problems in the mouth and attempt to fix them before permanent damage can be done. But what are some red flags that indicate your child needs braces? Here are 10 warning signs:
Protruding teeth
If your child's front teeth are sticking out, they may have overcrowding. This is where the upper jaw doesn't grow enough to accommodate the size of their bottom jaw, causing some of their teeth to be pushed forward and out of place. Crowded teeth can cause problems with chewing and speech, as well as pain in the jaw.
If one or more of your child’s permanent front teeth don’t come together normally when they close their mouth, this is known as malocclusion or misalignment. It can lead to many dental issues including problems with chewing or swallowing food that could even cause malnutrition if left untreated for too long!
Crowded teeth
If your child has a lot of teeth crowding the upper or lower jaw, they may need to have braces.
Crowded teeth can cause tooth decay and gum disease because they're harder to clean. They can also cause jaw problems as well as speech problems, since it's difficult for children with crowded teeth to speak clearly.
If your child has a big gap between their front teeth, space for braces is open in the back where there are still some baby teeth left. The dentist may recommend that you wait until these baby teeth fall out before considering orthodontic treatment for your child's front tooth gaps—but make sure it doesn't take too long! If those baby molars remain in place longer than expected (they usually fall out around age 3), then getting braces will become more complicated because there won't be enough room on either side of them for wires and bands attached by brackets.
Overbite
Overbite refers to the upper teeth biting down over the lower teeth. It's a common problem that can be corrected with braces and is likely to affect many people in your life, including you! Overbite can cause problems with chewing, speaking, breathing and even your jaw joint.
If you have an overbite, it means that your lower jaw is shorter than usual for some reason. This causes your tongue and palate to push up into your airway—causing breathing issues—and makes it difficult for you to chew food without biting off more than you need (called malocclusion).
Underbite
If your child has an underbite, it means the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw. This can cause problems with speech and eating. To fix this, a specialist may recommend orthodontic treatment like braces to align their teeth properly. If you’re wondering if your child might need braces and what to look for, here are some common symptoms of an underbite:
· The lower jaw is shorter than the upper one (a condition called mandibular prognathism)
· The front teeth do not meet when biting together or in side-to-side movements (impacted teeth)
Open bite
An open bite is a common problem for children and can be caused by genetics, trauma or poor oral hygiene. The main symptom of an open bite is that the upper and lower teeth do not line up properly when the child bites down. This makes it difficult for your child to close his or her mouth completely, which can cause problems with speech and chewing.
If you think your child has an open bite, take them to their dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible so they can determine if braces are the best treatment option.
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
· Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is a common symptom of misaligned teeth. The constant pressure on the teeth can lead to chipped or broken teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorder.
· If your child grinds his or her teeth at night while sleeping, he or she might have an underlying issue that needs attention. This includes misaligned teeth that need braces and insight at the orthodontist to help resolve the issue.
Mouth breathing or snoring
Mouth breathing can cause sleep apnea, which is a serious condition that can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. Mouth breathing can also cause dry mouth, tooth decay, bad breath, cavities and gum disease. While mouth breathing isn't normal for everyone (and varies from person to person), if you notice that your child is constantly gasping for air through their mouth or has difficulty concentrating in school then it's probably time to talk with an orthodontist about braces!
Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
Thumb sucking, also known as oral habits, is a common habit that some children develop. It can be difficult to break the habit and if left untreated, it can cause problems with teeth alignment and jaw development. Additionally, thumb sucking can cause speech problems due to abnormal tongue placement. While this behavior may seem harmless at first glance, it has serious implications for your child’s dental health. Sucking on thumbs or fingers puts pressure on the jaw which can result in misalignment of teeth and resulting difficulty chewing food properly.
Difficulty chewing or biting food
If you notice your child has difficulty with chewing and biting, or if they have a habit of teeth grinding (bruxism), then it could be a sign that they could benefit from braces. In many cases, children with jaw misalignment may not be able to put enough pressure on certain parts of their teeth to bite into food.
Teeth grinding can also be an indication that your child needs braces because it’s often associated with TMJ disorder, which can cause pain in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs).
Losing baby teeth too early or too late
If your child loses their baby teeth too early or too late, it can affect the alignment of their permanent teeth. Baby teeth are important for chewing and speaking, and they also help guide the permanent teeth into correct position. Losing baby teeth too early can cause problems with biting or sucking; losing them too late can lead to crooked permanent teeth or crowding.
If you're concerned that your child may need braces, it's important to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner they can get started on treatment, the better!