We are already aware that childhood tooth decay is widespread in Texas, but that is not the only problem. As your child’s teeth transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth, you should also be on the lookout for a developing malocclusion or poor bite. It is essential to get their teeth thoroughly checked and treated. Visiting an Orthodontist in Irving, TX is certainly a good choice for that.
Malocclusion essentially refers to the misalignment of the lower and upper teeth when your jaw is closed. There are numerous types of malocclusions, and some of them can be really serious and require treatment.
Signs of a developing poor bite in your child
Although the signs can be subtle in nature, you may be able to detect a developing poor bite if you know what to look for. These signs include:
- Excessive spacing.
You might be able to notice this when your child still has primary teeth. If you see a big space around the front teeth, the size of the jaws and teeth may be disproportionate.
- Abnormal eruptions.
Our permanent teeth normally follow a pattern while erupting, but certain factors can hinder the process, leading to abnormal eruptions. Factors such as a jaw that developed too small or premature loss of a baby tooth are just a few examples.
- Overlapping of teeth abnormally.
The teeth in the upper side of your mouth are normally supposed to cover the lower teeth when your jaws are shut. But if it is the opposite, that the lower teeth are covering the upper teeth, the upper teeth are extending too far over the lower ones, or there is space between the lower and upper front teeth when they bite down, it means a malocclusion may be forming. Moreover, different overlapping patterns should also be looked out for, as in the case of crossbites.
What are the causes of a poor bite?
The possible causes in some cases can be genetic, but in other cases, they can be due to environmental factors, especially during the development stage of the teeth. Such factors include thumb-sucking, using pacifiers for prolonged periods, breathing from the mouth due to some condition or allergies, premature or late loss of a baby tooth, injuries to the jaw, mouth, or face, cavities that led to an abnormal eruption of teeth, and much more.
Why are orthodontic interventions required for your child?
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7, according to AAO (American Association of Orthodontists), as early detection of the condition can reduce the treatment time and prevent the development of more severe conditions. If your child is suffering from a poor bite, it is recommended that the child get examined and receive treatment accordingly by an orthodontist to avoid further complications.
