Dentistry for Kids is here to teach you all about dental health! Our orthodontist, Dr. Steve, is here today to explain Five Common Q&As Parents have about Teeth and Bite.
Q: "I am really worried about all the spacing between my 5 year old's front teeth. Is there a problem?”
A: Great news! The adult teeth are larger than the baby teeth, and sometimes significantly larger, so extra space is a good sign for successful future eruption. The time to be worried is when the baby teeth are perfectly lined up with no visual space between the teeth.
Q: "I am not concerned about the crowding in my 10 year old, she is still growing and her jaws will get bigger. Won't she grow into her teeth?”
ADentistry for Kids is here to teach you all about dental health! Our orthodontist, Dr. Steve, is here today to explain Five Common Q&As Parents have about Teeth and Bite.Dentistry for Kids is here to teach you all about dental health! Our orthodontist, Dr. Steve, is here today to explain Five Common Q&As Parents have about Teeth and Bite.: The truth is that the width of our jaws is about 80% by age 6 and almost full width by age 10. Without early intervention, crowding will worsen as the rest of the permanent teeth erupt between the ages of 10 and 12.
Q: "My child’s teeth have always been slow to erupt. Should I be worried if my 14-year-old son does not have his adult canine teeth?”
A: There may or may not be a problem; delayed eruption aside, impacted canines are common and can be avoided by taking early steps to encourage their eruption. X-rays of the unerupted teeth may be warranted to see if there is an underlying issue.
Q: "Is it okay for my 7-year-old daughter to suck her thumb? It allows her to relax and fall asleep at night.”
A: It may be comforting for your child, but already damage is occurring to the palatal vault and teeth with ongoing sucking habits. The longer the habit persists, the greater the changes and the more difficult to correct. Ideally, all habits should stop before the eruption of the adult incisors.
Q: "I am so excited; I wore my retainers for 2 years! Can I be done with my orthodontic treatment?”
A: Unfortunately, no! Wearing retainers and keeping your teeth straight is a lifelong commitment. If you stop wearing your retainers, your teeth can potentially shift back to their original position. Keep wearing them at night to maintain that beautiful smile! ☺