Potential Orthodontic Problems Caused by Bad Habits in Babies and Toddlers
When it comes to quieting and calming babies and toddlers, there are several tricks of the trade that get the job done in the short term.
But in some cases, calming and coping mechanisms such as thumb sucking, using a pacifier or drinking from a bottle can lead to future orthodontic problems if used too frequently and for too long.
Sucking is a natural reflex in babies. It also is an important part of a child’s development that serves to comfort children even when they begin eating regular food and no longer breast feed or drink from a bottle.
Thumb Sucking
Lots of children suck their thumbs because it feels good to them. They may suck their thumbs when they are sick, scared or tired.
The most children can suck their thumbs until they reach 3 or 4 years old without damaging their teeth. However, children who vigorously suck their thumbs and continue to do so beyond age 4 risk causing damage that will require orthodontic treatment to correct.
If children don’t eventually stop sucking their thumbs on their own, an orthodontist can install appliances that take away the pleasing sensation children get when sucking their thumbs.
Pacifiers
Parents who allow their children to use a pacifier during the first few years of life need not worry about causing future dental problems. It is the persistent use of a pacifier beyond about age 4 that can lead to long-term dental problems that include top front teeth that slant outward, lower front teeth that slant inward, misaligned jaws or narrowing of the roof of the mouth.
Orthodontists recommend that parents give their children orthodontic pacifiers. These scientifically designed pacifiers support the shape of the jaws and palates in babies.
Baby Bottles
Because the desire to suck is innate, there are lots of children who continue to crave bottles long after their nutritional uses have ended. But when parents put anything other than water in the bottle, they increase their child’s risk of developing tooth decay early in life.
Sugars and carbohydrates in the mouth promote the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities. Early decay is of particular concern because it can spread quickly and increase a child’s risk of enduring a lifetime of cavities and other dental problems.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontists recommend that children see an orthodontist by age 7, when a child’s first adult molars typically have erupted. By age 7, orthodontists can evaluate children to determine whether they have an overbite, an open bite, teeth crowding issues or a gummy smile. They also can correct many alignment problems that may have been caused by thumb sucking or extended pacifier and bottle use.
Through early orthodontic treatment, orthodontists can address a variety of alignment and bite problems and prevent the need for braces down the road in many cases. If they cannot prevent the need for braces, they almost always can reduce the length of time children will need to be in braces in the future when we get them involved in early treatment.
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About the Author:
Tags: thumb sucking, front teeth, misaligned jaws, natural reflex, coping mechanisms But in some cases, calming and coping mechanisms such as thumb sucking, using a pacifier or drinking from a bottle can lead to future orthodontic problems if used too frequently and for too long.
Sucking is a natural reflex in babies. It also is an important part of a child’s development that serves to comfort children even when they begin eating regular food and no longer breast feed or drink from a bottle.
Thumb Sucking
Lots of children suck their thumbs because it feels good to them. They may suck their thumbs when they are sick, scared or tired.
The most children can suck their thumbs until they reach 3 or 4 years old without damaging their teeth. However, children who vigorously suck their thumbs and continue to do so beyond age 4 risk causing damage that will require orthodontic treatment to correct.
If children don’t eventually stop sucking their thumbs on their own, an orthodontist can install appliances that take away the pleasing sensation children get when sucking their thumbs.
Pacifiers
Parents who allow their children to use a pacifier during the first few years of life need not worry about causing future dental problems. It is the persistent use of a pacifier beyond about age 4 that can lead to long-term dental problems that include top front teeth that slant outward, lower front teeth that slant inward, misaligned jaws or narrowing of the roof of the mouth.
Orthodontists recommend that parents give their children orthodontic pacifiers. These scientifically designed pacifiers support the shape of the jaws and palates in babies.
Baby Bottles
Because the desire to suck is innate, there are lots of children who continue to crave bottles long after their nutritional uses have ended. But when parents put anything other than water in the bottle, they increase their child’s risk of developing tooth decay early in life.
Sugars and carbohydrates in the mouth promote the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities. Early decay is of particular concern because it can spread quickly and increase a child’s risk of enduring a lifetime of cavities and other dental problems.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontists recommend that children see an orthodontist by age 7, when a child’s first adult molars typically have erupted. By age 7, orthodontists can evaluate children to determine whether they have an overbite, an open bite, teeth crowding issues or a gummy smile. They also can correct many alignment problems that may have been caused by thumb sucking or extended pacifier and bottle use.
Through early orthodontic treatment, orthodontists can address a variety of alignment and bite problems and prevent the need for braces down the road in many cases. If they cannot prevent the need for braces, they almost always can reduce the length of time children will need to be in braces in the future when we get them involved in early treatment.
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About the Author:
If you would like to schedule a free consultation for your child with Minneapolis braces expert Dr. Trudy Bonvino or you would like more information on Cosmopolitan Orthodontics, please call (952) 469-3333. Cosmopolitan Orthodontics is located at 17757 Juniper Path in Lakeville.
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