October is a busy month in the dental world! Not only is it National Dental Hygiene Month, but it is also National Orthodontic Health Month. As a pediatric dental practice, our main priority is educating families about the importance of good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing twice a day, along with visiting the dentist twice a year, are essential habits for maintaining optimal dental health. But did you know that orthodontic care is also an important part of your child’s overall oral health?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. An early consultation allows an orthodontist to monitor your child’s dental and jaw development, identify potential concerns, and, when appropriate, intervene early to help prevent more significant orthodontic issues in the future.
ORAL HABITS AND ORTHODONTIC DEVELOPMENT
Oral habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking and pacifier use can affect the way a child’s teeth and jaws develop. One of the most common concerns we see is an “open bite,” which occurs when the front teeth do not come together when a child bites down. Prolonged pacifier use can contribute to an open bite by placing pressure between the upper and lower front teeth and interfering with their normal eruption.
Another common concern is increased overjet, sometimes referred to as “buck teeth.” This occurs when the upper front teeth protrude farther forward than the lower teeth. Persistent oral habits can contribute to this type of bite. Children can also develop a narrow upper jaw or “crossbite.” Prolonged sucking habits may affect the width and development of the upper jaw, potentially causing some of the upper back teeth to bite inside the lower back teeth.
In addition, prolonged pacifier or thumb-sucking habits can influence the normal positioning and function of the tongue, lips, and cheeks. These muscles play an important role in guiding the development and alignment of the teeth and jaws.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION?
During an orthodontic consultation, the orthodontist will review your child’s medical and dental history and perform a comprehensive examination of the teeth, bite, and jaw development. Depending on the individual patient, the orthodontist may also take photographs or digital scans and imaging to better evaluate tooth and jaw development. After the examination, the orthodontist will discuss their findings with you and explain whether treatment is recommended.
Depending on your child’s needs and stage of development, treatment options may include braces, clear aligners, an expander, or simply discontinuing an oral habit and allowing the teeth and jaws to develop naturally. In some cases, the best approach may simply be to monitor growth and development over time.
At Valley Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are proud to offer complimentary, comprehensive orthodontic consultations. We treat patients of all ages—from young children and adolescents to adults—and are here to help your family achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile.
If your child is approaching age seven, or you have concerns about their bite, oral habits, or dental development, October is a great time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. The team at Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics looks forward to meeting you and your child!
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