Debbie Did you know that your oral health is a window to your overall health? If your teeth and gums aren’t healthy, then in many cases, your overall health isn’t its best either.
This is why it’s important to start good oral care young. And part of this may entail braces for your children.
How do you know if your little ones need braces for kids though? Read on to find out!
They’re Having Trouble Eating
With a normal bite, it should be easy to eat. But if your children’s teeth or jaw are misaligned, this can make it difficult and even painful to chew and bite.
Do note that not all misalignments are noticeable, especially if they’re minor. It’s best to have a dentist check it out.
They Suck Their Thumb
When a kid keeps sucking their thumb, it can ruin the alignment of teeth in both the upper and lower jaw. The front teeth can be pulled forward while the bottom ones are pulled together, causing crowding.
Are you now asking, “does my child need braces,” because they still have this habit? If your little ones don’t stop sucking their thumbs by age 4, then it’s likely they’ll need braces.
They Haven’t Lost Their Baby Teeth on Schedule
If your kids lose their teeth too early or too late, this can cause spacing issues. This is because with early loss, the other existing teeth will shift into the empty spaces before adult teeth have a chance to grow. And with late loss, the teeth will become misaligned since adult teeth aren’t coming in yet either.
They’re Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing might sound innocent and harmless enough, but it can actually have a huge impact. Not only will it affect how your child’s face looks, but also how their teeth grow in. It can also cause their jaw to grow narrow, which won’t accommodate adult teeth very well.
Braces can address jaw issues, and a visit to an ENT specialist can help with any issues with breathing and/or the tonsils.
They Have Crooked Teeth
One of the most obvious signs your child needs braces is if they have crooked teeth when you look at their smile. The teeth might also overlap one another.
You might think that you can wait until all their baby teeth have fallen out to get orthodontic care. But the truth is, the earlier you start, the better. Read this article here on when to take your children to see the orthodontist.
Ask About Braces for Kids
If you feel like your children need braces for kids, it’s best to book an appointment with their dentist. Regular checkups are a good idea anyway, so if it’s been a while, make that call ASAP!
They’ll be able to get your children’s oral health in good shape, whether they need braces or not. And if they do, the dentist can refer you to a good orthodontist.
For more articles like this guide to braces for kids, keep browsing our blog page!
