Prevention
Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure. To avoid build up of Orthodontic problems, it is essential that the dental health is maintained. The Pediatric Dentists the world over recommend the child’s first dental check up at ONE year of age, if not earlier.
The child must be checked for dental cavities at regular intervals, as recommended by the pediatric dentist. Smaller the better. In case of big cavities, care must be taken to preserve the natural size and shape of the tooth while restoring it, to avoid potential orthodontic complications, at a later date. Stainless steel caps on milk teeth are the best bet when it comes to restoring big cavities on milk teeth.
In the extreme case where despite a root canal treatment of the milk tooth and placing a stainless steel cap, the tooth could not be saved and had to be removed, it is imperative that a SPACE MAINTAINER is placed such that the space created after extraction is maintained to allow the permanent tooth erupt unhindered at its correct place.
Thumb sucking or finger sucking habit is a common find among children in their early years of life. It is more of an attention seeking measure which the child learns subconsciously. The pleasure derived by sucking onto the thumb is another reason why parents find it difficult to make the child stop it. The solution lies in being actively involved with the child, as much as possible, and keep the child involved in activities which would keep the fingers busy elsewhere. There are many other ways and means to get the child off the habit. The Orthodontist would be a good person to.
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From the orthodontic point of view, you need not worry though. If the child discontinues the habit by or before FIVE years of age, there’ll be no harm done.
Despite the best of care and monitoring, the genetic pattern and forces of nature are two elements which even the most qualified orthodontist cannot control as much as he/she would like to. Regular follow up and guidance will surely help minimize the undesired effect of either on the dental arch, making treatment needed at a later date, simpler & less traumatic to the child.
How to know if child will need braces at later date
If any of the following conditions is seen in your child he or she may be a candidate for Orthodontic guidance.
- Early or late loss of milk teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age 6 to 7, and will have all their permanent teeth in around age 12)
- Difficulty in chewing and/or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Your child continues sucking their thumb/finger after age five
- Top teeth extend far forward from the bottom teeth
- All teeth do not meet
- Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes their mouth