When it comes to your oral health, some things are simply a matter of luck and genetics. You might develop four wisdom teeth or none at all. You might be blessed with brilliantly white teeth, or your teeth may naturally be a few shades darker. The size of your teeth and jaw are also beyond your control. That said, many aspects of your oral health are impacted by your daily habits — and not just brushing and flossing. Childhood habits can actually have a big impact on the alignment of your teeth. Scroll down to learn how you can help your children avoid future bite issues.
Preventing Malocclusions in Childhood
Bite issues are common — and in some cases, they’re preventable. To avoid the embarrassment that often accompanies malocclusions as well as the cost and discomfort of treating those issues, use the tips below to prevent future bite issues. Although many bite issues are inevitable, these tips can help you avoid preventable issues that arise due to seemingly innocuous habits.
Watch Out for Prolonged Thumb-Sucking
Many children suck their thumbs for comfort or security, but it’s important to monitor this habit to prevent issues. Chronic or prolonged thumb-sucking may lead to bite problems because it puts a large amount of pressure on the teeth and may cause the upper teeth to protrude. Talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned.
Seek Treatment for Mouth-Breathing
Did you know that breathing through the nose actually supports the development of the face and jaw? Breathing through the mouth, on the other hand, can have negative ramifications. It may cause the jaws to be misaligned when the mouth is closed. Related issues include teeth grinding and snoring at night. Diagnosing and treating this issue early can prevent long-term dental issues and sleep problems.
Discourage Prolonged Bottle or Pacifier Use
Constant sucking can actually narrow the roof of the mouth, which may lead to misaligned teeth and malocclusions. If you aren’t sure if your child is too old to be frequently using a bottle or pacifier, talk to your pediatrician.
Urge Against Nail Biting
About 30 percent of the population bites their nails, but that doesn’t mean it’s a harmless habit. Chronic nail biting damages the nails and surrounding skin, of course, but did you know it also can lead to misaligned and chipped teeth, jaw pain, and infections? If your child begins biting their nails, try to nip the habit in the bud, before it becomes a lifelong routine.
Premature or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
When we lose our primary teeth (also called our baby teeth) can affect the alignment and bite of our permanent teeth. If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, your dentist may recommend a space maintainer to support proper alignment. And if your child’s baby teeth refuse to budge, your dentist may recommend extraction to make room for permanent teeth.
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Fortunately, with modern orthodontic technology, we’re able to treat all sorts of malocclusions with minimal stress and discomfort. If you or your child have crowded teeth or a bite issue, make an appointment with your dentist to explore your treatment options.
At Wilkinson Dental, we offer Invisalign, which is a great option for treating many types of malocclusions. So, if you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental today. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!