5 Things Parents Often Miss About Their Child's Dental Development
As parents, we keep an eye on so many aspects of our children's health. But dental development is one area where early signs of potential issues can be easy to overlook - especially when everything seems fine on the surface.
The Australian Society of Orthodontists suggests children have their first orthodontic assessment around age 7. That might sound early, but there's a reason for it.
Why Age 7?
By this age, enough permanent teeth have come through to give a clear picture of how the jaw and teeth are developing. And because the jaw is still growing, gentle guidance can sometimes prevent more complex treatment later on.
Here are five things worth paying attention to:
1. Your Child Breathes Through Their Mouth Most of the Time
This is one of the most commonly overlooked signs. Habitual mouth breathing - particularly during sleep - isn't just a breathing habit. Over time, it can influence how the jaw grows and how teeth come in.
If your child snores regularly, sleeps with their mouth open, or seems to breathe through their mouth during the day, it's worth mentioning at their next dental check-up.
2. Thumb or Finger Sucking Past Age 4
Most kids stop on their own. But if the habit persists past age 4, it can start to affect tooth and jaw alignment. This isn't about blaming anyone - it's simply about being aware that ongoing pressure on developing teeth can have effects.
3. They Struggle with Certain Foods
Does your child avoid crunchy foods? Chew only on one side? These small habits can sometimes indicate a bite that isn't quite aligned properly.
4. Teeth Are Coming In Crowded
If baby teeth are very tightly packed together, or adult teeth are coming in at unusual angles, this can be an early indicator that there won't be enough room for all the permanent teeth.
5. Speech Patterns That Persist
Some speech difficulties - like a lisp or trouble with certain sounds - can be connected to how the teeth and jaw are positioned.
What Is Myobrace?
Myobrace is a system that takes a different approach to traditional braces. Instead of straightening teeth after they've come in crooked, Myobrace works on addressing the underlying causes - things like mouth breathing and tongue posture.
It uses removable appliances worn for 1-2 hours during the day and overnight. It's not suitable for every child, and Dr. Cho will honestly assess whether it's the right approach for your child's specific situation.
If you've noticed any of these signs, a conversation with your dentist is a good starting point. Book a children's dental assessment at Shine Dental Newington - (02) 9748 4822.
Note: Every child's development is different. Treatment recommendations are based on individual assessment.