Signs That Your Child May Need Braces
A child who needs braces is not destined to be miserable, self-conscious and unpopular. Parents and other guardians should closely observe their child to determine if they display one or several of the many signs that braces might be necessary. Without further adieu, let us take a look at the most common signs of a child who might be in need of braces.
Chewing or swallowing are difficult
Difficulty with chewing is a clear indication that a child needs braces or another procedure/treatment. Any sign of struggle with chewing should prompt a consultation with the orthodontist. Kids who struggle to chew often suffer from teeth that do not completely meet or accidentally biting the interior of the mouth, tongue and cheeks.
A child who complains of issues with swallowing in addition to or independent of pain during chewing might benefit from braces. Do not attempt a self-analysis at home. Take the child to the dentist as soon as possible for a professional review of the child’s oral health.
Take a close look at the child’s mouth. If it appears as though the mouth does not have adequate space for the teeth due to an underbite, overbite or overcrowding, it is time to reach out to the dentist to schedule a consultation.
The dentist brings it up
The most obvious indication a child needs braces is the dentist noting that there is an issue. Do not ignore the advice provided by the child’s dentist. These professionals understand the nuances of oral health. Furthermore, dentists see hundreds of mouths each year. Trust the dentist’s opinion, follow through with braces and the child will stand that much better of a chance of having straight teeth.
Crooked teeth
Crooked teeth are a clear sign that braces are necessary. Overlapping teeth are also a sign that braces will be necessary to create a beautiful smile. Furthermore, if teeth jut out instead of aligning with the other teeth, braces will likely be required.
Jaw or mouth pain
Pain in the mouth or jaw is abnormal, especially for youngsters who are supposed to have fairly healthy mouths. A child who complains of mouth or jaw pain should be taken to the dentist right away for an in-depth analysis. The dentist might find that the pain is the result of crooked, jutting or otherwise flawed teeth that can be straightened with braces.
Additional signs braces might be necessary
Baby teeth lost too soon, later than usual or in an irregular manner are cause for concern. Bring the child to the dentist’s office if you notice any such issue. The dentist might recommend braces to ensure the adult teeth are straight. Additional signs that braces will be necessary include mouth breathing, biting the roof of the mouth or cheek, teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or fail to meet and jaws/teeth disproportional to other portions of the face.
Contact us to schedule an appointment
Our dental professionals are here to help with braces and other treatments and procedures to improve oral health. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Visalia Care Dental, request an appointment in our Visalia dental office here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com. Or call us at (559) 975-1213.