Many children have common issues with their teeth as they grow up and lose their baby teeth. If you notice that your child has crooked or protruding teeth, has painful jaw or bite issues, or has difficulty chewing, you should take them to an orthodontist to see how braces can help their dental difficulties. Here are a few of these common issues that you can look out for so you can help fix them with braces.
Tooth Alignment
Almost every child will have some kind of issue with their tooth alignment. Many children have teeth that grow crooked as they lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth come in. Tooth alignment issues can be very mild or quite severe. Sometimes, if their baby teeth don’t fall out soon enough, their adult teeth can grow in above them, creating painful problems. If this is the case, your child may need to get their baby teeth pulled before they can get braces to fix their teeth' alignment. It is important to have regular visits with your dentist or orthodontist to track developing tooth alignment issues as your children grow up.
Bite Issues
Another common childhood issue that your child may struggle with is a problem with their bite. It is fairly normal for children to have a bit of an overbite or underbite. Overbites may be caused by genetic factors or certain habits. Luckily, these issues can be solved by getting braces. If you see that your child has an overbite or underbite, consult with your local orthodontist to see how you can best proceed to solve these health issues.
Popping Jaw
Having a painful, popping jaw is also a common issue that your children may deal with. This kind of problem is more commonly known as TMJ disorders or temporomandibular joint disorders. If your child has a TMJ disorder, they’ll probably complain about a popping or grating sensation in their jaw. They also may have a problem with chewing or biting, and their jaws might lock on occasion. Getting braces can help relieve these painful issues as the braces can help your child’s teeth be appropriately spaced.
If you notice your child complaining about teeth issues, remember the common problems that have been discussed in this article. As you recognize the signs of any of these issues, you’ll be better prepared to help your child to regain their oral health through braces. Remember to consult with your orthodontist to figure out the best treatment for your child.
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