Your child’s health is more than just building strong muscles and bones—it also includes taking care of their smile. It can be easy to overlook your child’s dental health, but keeping their teeth and jaws in good condition early on sets them up for fewer orthodontic issues down the road. If malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) runs in your family, it’s even more important to take steps to prevent early orthodontic problems.
At Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we’re passionate about giving our young patients in Sycamore bright, healthy smiles. Here are six tips to help prevent early orthodontic issues in your child.
Schedule an Early Orthodontic Consultation
Looking for a special gift for your child’s seventh birthday? How about an early orthodontic consultation with Dr. Peter Barysenka, our expert orthodontist at Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry? It may seem unconventional, but it’s one of the best ways to ensure their future dental health.
Both our team and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that children see an orthodontist by age seven. By this age, many of their permanent teeth have come in, making it easier to detect and address issues like overbites, crowding, and other orthodontic problems before they become more serious.
Because your child’s jaws are still growing, early treatment is often faster and more effective than waiting until they’re older.
Break Bad Oral Habits Early
Thumb-sucking and pacifier use may be comforting for young children, but when these habits persist beyond age three or four, they can lead to orthodontic problems. Constant sucking can affect your child’s facial structure and cause bite issues like overbites or open bites.
To help your child break these habits, try identifying their triggers and offering healthier alternatives. If the habit persists, Dr. Sarah Barysenka, our pediatric dental expert, can help stop these habits and address any related alignment issues.
Use a Mouthguard for Sports
Sports are a great way for kids to stay active, but they can also pose risks to their teeth. One of the simplest ways to protect your child’s smile from injury is by making sure they wear a mouthguard during sports. Without one, they’re more vulnerable to broken or chipped teeth, which can lead to misalignment, chewing difficulties, and even root canal treatments.
A well-fitted mouthguard can prevent injuries that may impact your child’s orthodontic care in the future.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Establishing good oral hygiene habits at a young age is key to preventing future dental issues. Help your child develop a routine that includes brushing twice a day for two to three minutes and flossing once a day. This will help remove plaque and food buildup, reducing the risk of cavities, which can lead to tooth loss and orthodontic problems like shifting teeth and misalignment.
For an extra layer of protection, Dr. Sarah Barysenka offers professional dental cleanings to ensure your child’s teeth stay clean and healthy. We recommend visiting us every six months for routine cleanings.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A nutritious diet is important not just for your child’s overall health but for their dental health too. Foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C help strengthen teeth and gums, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
In addition, the way your child eats can also impact their jaw development. Encourage them to take small bites and limit soft foods to help promote proper jaw growth and prevent misalignment as their permanent teeth come in.
Encourage Proper Sleeping Posture
Did you know that the way your child sleeps can affect their orthodontic health? Sleeping on the stomach can put unnecessary pressure on the jaw, leading to shifts in jaw alignment. Encourage your child to sleep on their back to minimize jaw tension and improve their overall posture.
It may take time for your child to adjust to a new sleeping position, but the long-term benefits to their dental health are worth it.
A Brighter Smile for a Brighter Future
Your child deserves a healthy, confident smile they can be proud of. By taking these proactive steps, you can help prevent early orthodontic issues and set your child up for a lifetime of good dental health. If you’re ready to learn more about early orthodontic care or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Barysenka, reach out to our team at Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry today!