By Elara Orthodontics Oral health in children is a growing concern. The mouth and teeth are more of a focus today, as their oral health starts to develop in early childhood. This is because their teeth and jaw, which will become part of their permanent adult smile, begin developing in the first two years of age. Kids exposed to tooth decay, malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth, are at risk of permanent defects in their smile and oral health. This can increase their risk of developing periodontal diseases and, in extreme cases, losing their teeth, even at a young age. Here, we will be giving you some knowledge about what malocclusion in children is and the current treatments available for it.
Table of Contents
What is Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a term used to describe an improper alignment of the teeth, including a crossbite, overbite, or underbite. This condition can also be referred to as an incorrect bite. It is the most common dental condition in children. Aside from being a cosmetic concern, it can lead to other dental issues, such as difficulty chewing and tooth decay.
Cross Bite
A crossbite is when some of the front teeth are biting inward. Usually, it only involves the incisors or small teeth in the front. The most common type is an overjet when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. The teeth can be misaligned in several ways. They can be displaced outward, downward, inward, and upward. Kids with this condition may not realize their crossbite since it is common among many children. However, it can be noticed by looking at the smile inward from an angle.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth come together in an abnormal position. If it is a high overbite, the two upper front teeth will protrude and overlap each other. In this case, it could be misaligned either upward or downward. Upward alignment is more prone to tooth decay. Bacteria can easily enter between the teeth and decay food particles in the mouth if the gap between them is too small. The lower teeth will also be compressed by the upper teeth, causing pain and discomfort. It can also cause a child to bite with their front teeth.
Underbite
Underbite refers to an abnormal interlocking of the bottom teeth. The lower teeth will be pushed backward, creating a gap between the bottom jaw and the upper jaw in front. With this kind of bite, the lower jaw tends to be longer than normal. It is a more common condition when both parents have an underbite. This is because it has been passed on through genes.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is an excessive amount of teeth in one area. This condition can affect the upper and lower teeth, with more teeth in the front than normal. It can also affect only one side of the mouth or be present on both sides. Children with crowded teeth will experience pain and discomfort because the excessive teeth will interfere with other teeth.
Causes of Malocclusion in Children
There are several factors that can cause malocclusion in children. The first is genetics. In some cases, the condition is passed down from parents. Other factors can also trigger it, such as an injury to the mouth from sports or chewing on toys. The trauma can cause a misalignment of the teeth. It can also occur when there is an improper eruption of the teeth. Eruption refers to the way teeth develop in young kids and teenagers. During this process, the upper front teeth usually come in first, followed by the other front teeth and, later, the back teeth. Malocclusion can occur depending on how an individual’s jaw grows and where it grows.
Kids also tend to get malocclusion because of their diet or pacifier habits, which may be improper. Some other causes are when the child has a habit of sucking their thumb or using their tongue to push food into their mouth. In rare cases, malocclusion in children can be due to a birth defect or syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Malocclusion in Children
The first symptom is pain and discomfort in the teeth and jaw bone. It could be felt when the teeth are moving together or out of alignment. Even though it can be painful, it is often mistaken for less common conditions. Teething and allergies are usually among the more common causes of this condition in children. During teething or while the child is going through their first year, it may be necessary to adjust their diet so they do not have excessive tooth wear. You should also place a cold compress on the child’s gums after administering an over-the-counter pain reliever to numb the area. If the pain continues even after using a painkiller, your doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis.
Kids with malocclusion may be more prone to tooth decay than those who do not have it. They are also more likely to develop cavities between their teeth because the gaps are smaller than normal. They will need root canal treatment or even endodontic treatments when this happens. Misalignment of teeth can also be noticed when the child smiles, eats, or speaks. Malocclusion in children that goes unnoticed for many years can cause weak teeth and bones. If it occurs later in life, the condition can easily become complicated with other problems, such as sinus and breathing problems.
Malocclusion Treatment Options
Correcting malocclusion in children requires a series of procedures to achieve the best results. A family dentist can handle most of the procedures. The first step is to determine whether or not the problem is congenital or due to an injury. Your dentist will also need to confirm that it has not been caused by natural tooth wear throughout its development. If it is congenital, your dentist may suggest you take your child for orthodontic treatment to correct the problem before it worsens. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary. It is best to wait until the adult teeth come in to see if they will correct themselves.
Treatment includes extractions, braces, or space maintainers. Bracing involves the insertion of brackets within or outside the mouth to support the teeth. In most cases, they are the preferred solution. They can also be used as temporary solutions while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Extraction removes one or more teeth to provide room for other teeth coming in. This treatment is used if the tooth has decayed, is broken, and is generally unusable. If the child has a baby tooth that causes malocclusion, it can often be removed so the permanent tooth can erupt in its place.
Surgery on the jaw is an option if the malocclusion is caused by abnormal jaw growth. This procedure usually involves shaving the upper or lower jaw to accommodate a more normal appearance. Jaw surgery is only recommended when all other methods have failed. This can be extremely costly and may not always be the best option. The treatment will depend on your child’s age, different symptoms and problems, and the severity of the malocclusion. It is important to start treatment early for it to be more effective.
How a Dentist Can Help Your Kid
It is always best to take your child to a dentist as soon as possible when the first symptoms are noticed. Even if you are unaware that your child has malocclusion, a good dentist can identify it and treat it before it worsens. A dental team will work together during treatment to correct the problem at its root. They will take X-rays of the child’s teeth and jaws and perform a cephalometric analysis. They will also suggest a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. The dentist will then adjust the teeth using a series of orthodontic treatments.
A family dentist can help your child feel comfortable visiting their dental office for the first time. They will explain the entire treatment process before it begins so your child is prepared and not afraid. They will also tell you what to expect during the treatment and support you when needed.
How to Prepare for Treatment
Talk with your dentist about any concerns you have. It is also recommended that your child bring a friend or relative along to help them during treatment. You will be able to monitor the treatment, and it will be easier for your dentist to make adjustments if necessary. Dental professionals will also be able to treat any related issues that may arise after the procedure has been completed.
Before any treatment, the kids orthodontics in Richmond Texas will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. Get regular checkups during this time. If there are no visible symptoms or problems, your dentist may recommend orthodontic surveillance or treatment as needed depending on the severity of the problem. It will also be necessary to monitor if an injury has caused malocclusion.
Aftercare and Healing
There is little discomfort involved with tooth extractions and braces. A kids orthodontics in Richmond Texas will explain to your child how to take care of the mouth when they are not at the orthodontist’s office. You can also help your child by showing them how to floss, brush, and rinse their mouth with water after eating. Taking care of their teeth is important for preventing problems before they occur. They should also avoid chewing on pens, pencils, and other items that can cause damage to their mouth.
The braces are only worn for a few hours each day in the beginning. As the treatment progresses, they can increase to full-time use. The braces are removed before bed and back on in the morning before school. The pediatric orthodontics in Sugar Land will make adjustments as the treatment progresses to ensure they are comfortable and not overly tight. It is important to get a second opinion if you are concerned about how your child’s teeth look after treatment.
After surgery, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions and schedule given before treatment starts. You should also ask for your dentist’s instructions before eating, brushing, and flossing. A helpful tip is to wear a protective sleeve around the mouth during sleep or when eating for several days after treatment. This helps keep all of their new teeth in their place, preventing problems with shifting or displacement.
Regular, thorough dental care is the best way to prevent problems with tooth decay and malocclusion in children. If a child is not given proper care from the time they are born, these issues can become more difficult to overcome. A pediatric orthodontics in Sugar Land should be able to identify many issues before they become more serious. As soon as an issue is noticed, it can be addressed immediately. Contact us today for a consultation. We can help your kid get their smile back .