7 Things Parents Never Knew About Child Bite Issues
What you need to know about your child’s bite issues.
Child bite issues are not always obvious to parents. Your child may not struggle to chew or experience any pain or obvious overcrowding, and their teeth might not appear misaligned at all. This can mean that bite problems go undetected and continue to get worse over time.
No matter how young your child is, addressing bite problems is vital. They may not seem like serious issues, but they can cause bigger complications later on in life. Here are seven surprising things parents never knew about child bite issues and what you can do to address them.
1. Straight Teeth Can Still Mean Bad Bites
Children with overbites, underbites, or crossbites might have straight teeth and still struggle with bite problems. It makes the issue even more complex to spot and often requires a dentist to point it out.
2. Mouth Breathing Can Affect Jaw Development
Mouth breathing is a common issue with children, and it’s not harmless. It can lead to a narrowed palate and jaw because of the lack of tongue pressure involved in breathing through the nose. This lack of pressure keeps the upper jaw from expanding fully, creating a high and narrow arch.
If your child develops a narrow dental arch, there will be less room for their teeth. This could result in crowding. Teeth can shift out of their natural alignment.
Because of this narrower dental arch, your child’s facial structure could also change. It can lead to a longer, narrower, and flatter profile. Sometimes, they can even develop a receding chin.
3. Thumb-Sucking Isn’t Just a Habit—It Can Shift Teeth
Thumb-sucking that occurs over a significant amount of time can push teeth forward, impacting bite alignment. The constant pressure shifts teeth forward and outward. In severe cases, it can cause an open bite, which is when the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth closes.
Thumb-sucking can also result in jaw and palate deformation, as well as impact the shape of the roof of the mouth. Dirty thumbs can introduce bacteria into the mouth, increasing the risk of your child developing cavities and gum disease.
Most children stop sucking their thumbs around age 4. If it continues, speak with a dentist to know how to address the issue.
4. Bite Problems Can Impact Speech and Chewing
Misaligned teeth and other childhood bite issues can extend even beyond oral health; they can also affect speech. Specifically, misalignment can cause problems with certain sounds.
Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can impact how your child eats, too. They may not be able to chew as efficiently as they should. In severe instances, this could place them at a higher risk of choking, since they might not be able to chew food down to manageable bites.
5. Timing Matters—Earlier Treatment Is Often Easier
Orthodontics works best on children when they’re going through a growth spurt. This is typically around age 7. Allowing the problem to go on for longer can mean needing more invasive procedures in the future, including tooth extractions.
6. Some Bite Issues Are Inherited
If you or the child’s other parent experienced bite issues as a child or an adult, it’s something to keep in mind. That’s because bite issues can be passed down.
Jaw size and even specific bite patterns could be inherited. For example, your child may inherit a small jaw from one parent and large teeth from another. This would create some bite issues because of overcrowding.
7. Not All Kids Need Braces Right Away
If you notice a bite issue, you may be ready to turn to braces, but they might not be necessary. Child orthodontics can involve a number of alternatives, including space maintainers, expanders, and other early interventions. Speaking with a dentist can give you a better idea of what your child needs.
Orthodontics offer numerous health benefits, but they might not be appropriate for your child’s age yet. Your child’s dentist can help you understand your options.
Find a Reliable Dentist in Maryville, MO
If you’re concerned about your child’s bite or you want to ensure that everything is in order, it’s time to contact a dentist for help. All too often, parents delay doing this because they think everything looks fine. Remember, just because there are no outward signs of child bite issues doesn’t mean that they’re not impacting your child’s life.
At Compass Dental Group, we provide many orthodontic services to families throughout Maryville. From preventive to cosmetic dentistry, our skilled team can offer compassionate, reliable care for all ages.Are you ready to protect your child’s future oral health? Contact our team to learn more about our services today.
