Need to know how to prevent early orthodontic issues in your kids? Caring for your child’s smile starts before there’s a problem. Jensen Orthodontic Arts serves kids’ smiles across our McKinney community. Dr. Jensen understands that a healthy smile begins with paying attention to oral habits from a young age. So listen up, parents! Here’s what you need to know.
Start Orthodontic Visits Early
Early orthodontic visits help your family establish a strong foundation for your child’s oral health. Regular check-ups can help us take care of little problems before they get bigger.
First Visit by Age 7
It’s a good idea to schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit by their seventh birthday. Their first visit allows Dr. Jensen to make a great first impression on them! We want your child to feel comfortable in our McKinney office. The better their first experience, the more likely they are to stick to their treatment.
Regular Check-Ups
After the first visit, help your child prioritize their appointments. Ideally, we’d like to see you in our McKinney office every six months. These appointments allow Dr. Jensen to track your child’s progress. Regular visits reinforce good oral hygiene habits.
Encourage Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Developing lasting oral hygiene habits early on is essential for keeping your child’s teeth healthy and strong. Simple daily habits can help prevent future issues.
Daily Brushing and Flossing
Teach your child to brush their teeth two times every day. Dr. Jensen recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make brushing fun by picking a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character. Need to keep them brushing for the full two minutes? Use a timer. Have your child start flossing as soon as two of their teeth touch.
Age-Appropriate Tools
Selecting the right tools makes all the difference in your child’s oral care routine. For toddlers and young children, reach for a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. It should fit comfortably in their mouth. Fluoride toothpaste should be used in a small, pea-sized amount. As your child grows, encourage them to switch to floss picks or pre-threaded flossers.
Monitor and Address Habits
Certain habits can affect your child’s teeth and jaw development. Keeping watch for these behaviors can help you take action.
Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers
Thumb-sucking and extended pacifier use can lead to misaligned teeth. These early childhood habits put pressure on your child’s upper teeth and jaw. What’s the harm? It could potentially cause them to shift. Encourage your child to stop by offering positive reinforcement or introducing comforting alternatives.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can impact the development of your child’s jaw. It’s often linked to allergies or nasal obstructions. If you notice your child breathing through their mouth frequently, talk with Dr. Jensen.
Diet and Its Role in Oral Health
What your child eats has a big impact on their orthodontic health. A balanced diet supports overall health and keeps those little teeth strong and cavity-free.
Limit Sugary Foods
Sugary snacks and drinks can cause cavities, especially in young teeth. Bacteria thrive on sugar, and they produce acids that can wear down enamel. Try to limit sugary treats and opt for healthier alternatives. Instead, go for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Encourage Water
Water is your child’s best friend when it comes to oral health. It helps rinse away food particles and neutralizes acids in their mouth. Encourage your child to drink water often throughout the day. They should especially do so after meals and snacks. Water also helps keep their mouth hydrated, which is important for saliva production. Saliva is your body’s natural defense against tooth decay.
Early Signs of Orthodontic Problems
Preempting orthodontic issues early can save time and effort down the road. Knowing the signs can help you know when to follow up with our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team.
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
If your child’s teeth appear crowded or crooked as they come in, they need to come see us in McKinney. Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to align correctly. Dr. Jensen can evaluate your child’s bite and recommend treatments to correct the alignment.
Chewing and Speaking Difficulties
Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly could be a sign of an underlying orthodontic issue. Misaligned teeth or an off-center bite can affect your child’s chewing and speaking. Early intervention from Jensen Orthodontic Arts will help readjust your child’s teeth and jaws. As a result, regular activities like eating and talking will get easier.
Breathing Issues
Frequent mouth breathing, especially during sleep, might point to orthodontic problems. Mouth breathing can affect jaw development and tooth alignment, leading to more serious issues later on. If you notice your child breathing through their mouth often, talk with Dr. Jensen.
Importance of Early Orthodontic Screening
Early orthodontic screenings can make a big difference in your child’s oral health. By evaluating your child’s teeth and jaw development around age 7, our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team can identify potential issues and head them off early!
We mentioned that your child should have their first evaluation by age 7. Why then? Well, we didn’t choose it randomly. The American Association of Orthodontists says your child has their first evaluation with Dr. Jensen by age 7. At this age, permanent teeth are starting, and the jaw is still developing. An early screening allows the orthodontist to detect problems like overcrowding, misaligned bites, or jaw growth issues.
Early Intervention With Dr. Jensen
Early intervention at Jensen Orthodontic Arts can give your child a headstart on a lifetime of successful orthodontic treatment. It can reduce the need for tooth extractions, minimize discomfort during treatment, and even prevent more severe problems from developing. To learn more about early orthodontic issues in kids, go here to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Jensen in our McKinney office.