Chances are most people do not realize that 20 percent of all American youngsters are impacted with a dental malady known as malocclusion or bad bite.

While a certain percentage of such cases do not result in any untoward physical manifestations, certain presentations might produce discomfort and other appreciable challenges.

Fortunately, braces might help afflicted children overcome such issues. Experienced, professional pediatric orthodontists can diagnose and correct problems such as improper bites.

That said, failing to address this concern could leave a young person at risk for developing other dental problems like cavities.

Unfortunately, oral care issues are not always easy for parents to detect. However, children in need of braces might display any of the following nine signs:

Crooked Teeth

Children with misaligned or overlapping teeth are often suitable candidates for braces. Parents are implored to look out for these abnormal formations.

Said circumstances often develop because the youth in question’s mouth is especially small. Such conditions crowd teeth and force the dental components to shift.

Thumb Sucking

Researchers estimate that almost 80 percent of toddlers suck their thumbs. Though most quit by age four, some will not shake the habit so quickly.

Dental professionals caution that thumb sucking is more than an annoying habit. The act can result in serious concerns like malocclusion and tooth misalignments.

Ergo, the parents of youngsters who sucked their thumb or continue to engage in the ritual are firmly pressed to have said youths evaluated by a qualified orthodontist.

Lower Teeth Cover Upper Teeth

In dental terminology, this occurrence is called underbite. Typically, thumb sucking is the primary cause. However, the condition might also be precipitated by excessive reliance on pacifiers or bottle feeding.

Underbite often renders chewing more difficult and painful, which not only impacts the youth’s teeth but could have an adverse impact upon their jawbones and muscles.

Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is caused by any number of nasal or respiratory ailments or malformations of the nose and surrounding regions. Over time, said habit can precipitate facial muscle imbalances. These occurrences could result in misaligned teeth.

Gaps

Thumb sucking can lead to another bothersome condition known as diastema, or gapped teeth. Gapped teeth can be embarrassing and make chewing a greater challenge.

Upper Teeth Excessively Overlap Lower Teeth

This is known as severe overbite. In most cases, thumb sucking is the culprit. However, the malady might also be the result of jaw malformation.

Unusual Noises

Unusual clicking noises emanating from a youth’s jaw might indicate the presence of a usually painful and more serious jaw condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, which is commonly abbreviated as TMD.

Cheek Biting

Malformed jaws might cause a youth to unintentionally but repeatedly bite their cheek. This action could result in painful abrasions and potentially serious oral infections.

Mouth Pain

Jaw and tooth malformation could result in pain and other discernible issues such as difficulties eating and talking. If a young person complains about tooth or jaw discomfort, they should promptly be given a comprehensive dental or orthodontic assessment.

The Value Of Orthodontic Evaluation

Industry professionals urge parents of youths to schedule their children’s first orthodontic examination by no later than their seventh birthday. It is around this time that the manifestations of tooth or mouth issues begin appearing and braces can be inserted to prevent said conditions from worsening.

Parents who are ready to invest in their child’s dental health are urged to contact Texas Orthodontics Specialists.