The smile of a child is a lovely feature that many people would love to see. Unfortunately, lack of alignment can spoil their appearance, oral health and self-esteem. Being parents, we should be on alert to any misalignment in the nature of the teeth. Knowing misalignment indicators can help you take a proactive step to get the treatment and keep your child’s smile always healthy.
When considering orthodontic care, many parents in San Ramon turn to reputable practices like Bigman Orthodontics, which specializes in orthodontics for children. You need to consult them as soon as possible because early intervention may be good for treatment success and your child’s general teeth health.
Typical Symptoms of Abnormal Alignment
Overcrowding of Teeth
Overcrowding is likely one of the most evident indicators of misalignment. When the teeth of your child look to be catching each other or the teeth do not seem to have enough space to fit all the teeth, then this may indicate that the teeth are not aligned. Crowding may cause problems with proper cleaning of teeth, which may predispose them to cavities and gum disease.
Gaps Between Teeth
Space between teeth may also indicate lack of alignment. Though spacing is normal but little more indicates that the teeth are not fixed in the jaw. This can have an impact on the bite and cause additional dental problems.
Bite Issues
Problems with bites, including underbites, overbites or cross bites, are also important signs of misalignment. In an overbite, the front teeth of the upper jaw stick out much over the lower front teeth, whereas in an underbite, the teeth of the lower jaw stick out beyond the teeth of the upper jaw. A crossbite is a situation when a part of the upper teeth is within the lower teeth. Such predicaments may cause pain and inability to chew, and he or she may need orthodontic treatment.
Behavioral Indicators
Difficulty in Chewing or Speaking
In case your child is having problems with chewing or finds it hard to pronounce specific words, it is possible that there is some misalignment in the teeth. Irregular teeth interfere in the food processing and possibly influence the development of speech. In case you observe such problems, you should see an orthodontist.
Mouth Breathing
Another physical sign of misalignment is mouth breath. When your child constantly breathes with mouth and not the nose, then there is a chance that their dental problems are causing the jaw to be misaligned. Other health issues such as sleep apnea and dental decay may be caused due to this habit.
The Importance of Early Evaluation
Regular Dental Check-ups
Consistent dental checks are important in keeping a check on the oral health of your child. Dentists will be able to see early signs of misalignment and refer to an orthodontist in due course. Early diagnosis may result in prompt intervention which in most cases is more effective and less invasive as compared to intervening when the child is older.
Being well-informed about the signs of misalignment and consulting a professional in time, you will make sure that your child will have a beautiful smile that is healthy.
