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During adolescence, children quickly develop habits that can be hard to break later in life. Some of these habits can affect your child’s dental development.
Here are some examples of factors that affect dental development, along with how a pediatric dentist or orthodontist can help:
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are natural behaviors that many children use to self-soothe. These habits can provide comfort and help children manage stress or anxiety.
Thumb sucking is a common habit among young children, but if it persists beyond a certain age (typically around 4 years old), it can lead to dental issues. Extended thumb sucking can affect tooth alignment, potentially leading to problems such as an overbite or an open bite, in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.
If you’re concerned about your child’s thumb sucking habit, it’s important to address it sooner rather than later. Consulting with an orthodontist can provide you with effective strategies and tools to help your child stop thumb sucking.
Nighttime Grinding (Bruxism) and Sleep Apnea
Nighttime grinding, also known as “bruxism“, is the clenching or grinding of your teeth during sleep. This is a common phenomenon among children, and most grow out of the habit. If you notice that your child is grinding their teeth and there is noticeable wear and tear, including flattened or cracked teeth. There may be more underlying issues, such as stress or sleep-disordered breathing (mouth breathing/ persistent snoring).
In a child, the upper jawbone develops properly when they breathe through the nose, and the tongue naturally rests on the roof of the mouth.
Improper breathing can also lead to other developmental problems, including:
- Narrow and collapsed or high palate
- Crowded teeth
- Narrow dental arches
- Jaws that shift backward
- Facial changes making breathing through the nose even more difficult
- Cognitive and behavioral issues from air constriction, which can prevent the body from properly oxygenating organs
Early diagnosis and treatment can be beneficial to normalize the bone structure and optimize a child’s ability to breathe easily.
To effectively treat chronic bruxism and mouth breathing/snoring in children, the dentist will first identify the underlying causes. This may involve a thorough evaluation, including administering a sleep questionnaire to assess your child’s sleep patterns and habits. Depending on the findings, the dentist may recommend a nightguard or early orthodontics to protect your child’s teeth during sleep and alleviate discomfort. Additionally, the dentist may discuss potential behavioral changes or stress-management techniques to help reduce bruxism and snoring. Early intervention is key to preventing dental damage and ensuring your child’s overall oral health.
Our pediatric and orthodontic dentists work together to provide the best treatment for your child. Head to our Orthodontic and Pediatric pages to learn more!
Pediatric Airway Treatment – Virginia Family Dentistry
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