3 Signs You Should Bring Your Child to the Orthodontist

Posted on October 7, 2022

It’s important to know about orthodontics for kids because this can help you give your children the best oral health care foundation. There are signs that may alert you to the fact that you need to bring your child to the orthodontist. Keeping an eye on these signs may be the best thing that you do for your child, so read on to see three of them.

1. They Have Difficulty Chewing

If you notice that your child has trouble chewing their food on a regular basis, this may be a sign that they need orthodontics for kids. Likewise, if they have problems with speaking well and you can’t see a clear reason for this, it may be as a result of their teeth. Don’t delay seeking the help of an orthodontist because they may advise you accordingly on the right course of action to pursue.

2. Their Teeth Are Crowded or Misaligned

Another sign that you may need to look for orthodontics for kids is if you notice that their teeth are too crowded or they’re misaligned. This may make it difficult or even impossible for them to take good care of their teeth, since they won’t be able to reach all their teeth well. In the case of misaligned teeth, the issue will only get worse as time goes by. This makes it important for you to have the matter dealt with long before it gets out of hand. The earlier your child starts orthodontic treatment, the sooner they can get a smile that they’re proud of and also improve their oral health.

3. They Have Oral Habits

If your child has oral habits such as thumb-sucking, they may predispose themselves to a future of oral health woes. This is because they may push their front teeth forward and outward, changing the alignment of their teeth. This will lead to further complications like crowded bottom teeth and an abnormal shape of the teeth, which could also affect their jaws. To ensure that such habits are taken care of and inevitable damage stopped or reversed, take them to an orthodontist as soon as you can.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it’s recommended to take children to their first orthodontic consultation at age seven and no later. This is an additional reason to take your child to see their orthodontist for preventative oral health care. If you need help finding a good orthodontist for your child, give us a call and we’ll help you!