It is common for young children to have problems with their teeth. Knowing the early signs of orthodontic problems is key to preventing a major problem from developing. In this article, some warning signs that your child might need to see an orthodontist will be discussed so that you can know when intervention is necessary.

The Importance of Dental Visits

Regular professional dental examinations can help to determine whether your child will need braces when they are older. The dentist will examine the growth of their jaw and teeth as well as check for cavities. When you visit your dentist regularly, it is easy to spot problems early.

Crossbite and Crooked Teeth

Your child's front teeth should sit over (not behind) their lower ones when they close their mouth together; if it doesn't, they may need braces. Crooked teeth are another sign that could indicate your child needs an orthodontist. If one of their front teeth is much wider than the others and it's leaning over to one side or backward, your child may need braces.

If the spacing of their teeth is so wide that you can see adult teeth underneath, you may want to consider braces for your little one. If you notice that your little one is covering up their mouth when they smile due to embarrassment about their teeth, take them to the orthodontist.

Speech Problems

Crowded teeth are another common sign that an orthodontist visit is in order. If your child has difficulty when they try to speak because of all the teeth in their mouth, then they may need an orthodontist. Sometimes a child may have a lisp due to crowding. A simple x-ray can determine whether or not your child's teeth are crowded and if it warrants treatment. 

Thumb Sucking

A prolonged habit of sucking the thumb or a pacifier in childhood can lead to problems with the teeth and jaw in adulthood. This is because children who suck their thumbs or use a pacifier for too long often experience changes in facial development that make it difficult for them to bite down properly as adults. 

In extreme cases, this can cause difficulty chewing and swallowing food, making it hard to eat normally and leading to malnutrition over time. An orthodontist can help to fix that problem.

Knowing the signs that your child needs to see an orthodontist is critical if you want to ensure that your child has a beautiful smile that they won't feel self-conscious about.