Early treatment of child’s teeth can avoid issues

September 7, 2009 (Dr. Donald D. Routier DDS, MA Dental Clinic of Marshfield)

In the past, children have not routinely received orthodontic treatment until they were in their teens.

Today, if a child presents with certain conditions it is appropriate to begin orthodontic treatment as early as 6 to 7 years of age.

By examining a child before his or her permanent teeth fully erupt and while the child is still growing, the orthodontist can identify potential problems and offer treatment that utilizes growth to correct skeletal relationships, maintain or develop space for erupting teeth, and properly guide emerging teeth into their correct positions. Orthodontic options such as space maintainers or palatal expanders can help prepare a child’s mouth for his adult teeth.

Keep in mind that crooked teeth are more difficult to brush and floss. This could lead to cavities and possibly periodontal disease. Crooked teeth can also interfere with a person’s ability to speak, chew or bite.

But there is more to orthodontic treatment than well-aligned teeth. An important part of orthodontic treatment is ensuring the upper and lower jaws are properly aligned. If the jaws are not aligned, a person can have difficulty chewing or biting, which can lead to jaw joint problems or excessive wear on the teeth. Excessive wear on teeth can lead to sensitivity, cavities, chipped teeth or periodontal disease.

Some orthodontic problems are inherited while other tooth alignment problems can be caused by accidents, thumb or finger sucking habits, excessive use of pacifiers, or falling to sleep with a bottle in the child’s mouth.

Not certain if your child should see an orthodontist? Ask your dentist or pediatrician when it would be the appropriate time for your child to see an orthodontist. Also be aware of things you might notice every day — your child’s tendency to breathe through his mouth, suck his thumb, or difficulty with chewing or biting. If your child’s jaw tends to click or pop, this might also be a cause for concern.

While orthodontic treatment might not necessarily begin at the age of 6 or 7, early and annual visits to the orthodontist can help you stay ahead of the game — taking steps that will help you avoid, or decrease, the need for more costly orthodontic treatments in the future.