It is best to approach a trained and experienced dentist or orthodontist to diagnose child teeth problems. But a little awareness and knowledge amongst the parents and caregivers also go a long way. If you are aware of the common orthodontic problems in kids, you can spot the visible symptoms and approach the health care professional before the condition worsens.
9 Common Dental & Orthodontic Problems in Kids
So, how do you know it may be a good idea to take your children to the orthodontist? Here are 9 common childhood oral health issues which need timely intervention from parents and dentists.
Abnormal Eruptions
Dentists call it abnormal eruption when a tooth erupts in the wrong place through the gums. This eruption can lead to impaction, where the tooth gets blocked and is not allowed to grow through the gums. A minor surgical process may be required to support that tooth in uncovering its track.
An orthodontist or a gum specialist can do this job for your kids. Take a close look at your kidโs teeth regularly to check if any such phenomena are developing in their mouth.
First Dental Visit by Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends taking your child for their first dental visit by the age of 7. Early check-ups can help detect and address orthodontic issues before they worsen.Crowding
In some kids, thereโs not enough space in the jaw to fit all teeth. It can happen because of the abnormally small jaw or unusually large teeth. But the consequences of teeth crowding are bad. The teeth overlap, twist, and block each other because of the lack of space.
Spotting Early Signs of Orthodontic Issues
Parents can play a critical role in identifying dental problems early in their children. Look out for these signs:- Crowding or gaps in teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or biting.
- Speech issues.
This ultimately leads to teeth problems like decay and infections as crowded teeth are difficult to clean. A dentist or orthodontist can use Invisalign, braces, or expanders to treat this condition in your kids.
Crossbite
Bite issues are tough to face for a child. In a crossbite, their bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth when they close their mouth. They need to shift their jaw to one side to bite. Itโs not healthy as it can change their facial structure and teeth alignment in the longer run.
Crossbite is one of the most common orthodontic problems and can be treated with a palatal expander and braces.
Hypodontia
The extra spacing between the teeth is also known as gapped teeth, and itโs not a healthy condition for teeth. The cause of the gap between the teeth can be congenitally missing teeth, also known as hypodontia. In this condition, one or more tooth fails to develop fully.
Hypodontia is pretty common in kids. You may spot it if you check their mouth for all 32 teeth. Orthodontists can easily treat this condition in childhood and early teens.
Count the Teeth
Make oral health fun for your kids by turning it into a game. You can ask your child to count their teeth and check if all 20 baby teeth (or later, 32 adult teeth) are present. Itโs a great way to involve them in their dental care.Underbite
In an underbite, the lower front teeth protrude over the upper front teeth. The orthodontist may perform jaw surgery to fix the underbite of your kids if itโs severe. Otherwise, some non-invasive orthodontic treatments may also work for minor misalignment.
But the underbite treatment is mandatory, so that your kids donโt have difficulty biting and chewing the food. Early diagnosis of underbite and timely intervention can save your child from the complicated treatment procedure and surgery.
Overbite
Kids with overbite face the issue of their upper front teeth biting over their lower teeth. In severe cases, the upper teeth can completely cover the lower teeth when the kids want to chew the food. This condition affects the overall health of your kids as they are not able to eat correctly. So it would be best to approach a dentist when you spot it.
Surgery may be needed along with the usage of orthodontic appliances to fix overbite in severe conditions.
Overjet
Overjet is a horizontal overbite. Itโs the opposite condition of an underbite. Itโs known as increased overjet if the top teeth are far ahead of the bottom teeth, leaving a visible horizontal gap between the upper and bottom teeth. But the appearance would be your least worry with overjet.
It also affects daily tasks like chewing and biting. Overjet can be treated with braces, veneers, crowns, etc., depending on its condition.
Do Braces Hurt?
Many parents worry that braces might be too painful for their kids. It is not true. Braces might cause mild discomfort initially, but advancements in orthodontics have made treatments much more comfortable.Open Bite
Prevent excessive thumb sucking in your kids as it can lead to dental issues like the open bite. If the front and lower teeth donโt meet when your kids close their mouths, they may have an open bite. Itโs also one of those child teeth problems which hinder their daily tasks like chewing food properly.
An open bite can also lead to sleep apnea and speech problems, so itโs imperative to begin its treatment at the earliest.
The Impact of Thumb-Sucking
Excessive thumb-sucking is a common habit in kids, but it can lead to orthodontic issues like open bites. Encourage your child to break this habit early to prevent long-term dental complications.Protruding Front Teeth
A protruding front tooth is vulnerable to harm as its extending outwards unprotected. Of course, itโs not visibly pleasing also. Itโs best to approach an orthodontist when you see a protruding tooth so that your kids can get timely and less complicated treatment. Protruding teeth can be easily shifted back with the help of orthodontic appliances.
