Is My Child’s Smile Developing Normally? Signs Of Misalignment.
Those early visits to a pediatric dentist can positively impact your children for the rest of their lives. As their baby teeth and jawline develop, problems that aren’t caught early can lead to lifelong problems. The teeth contribute to their speech and facial development. Misalignments can also cause issues with chewing and their nutritional intake. So, how do you know whether your child’s smile is developing normally?
Early Dental Milestones (Ages 0-3)
Your baby’s primary teeth develop beneath the gums during pregnancy. Many babies will be around six months old when their first tooth erupts. This can vary quite a bit, though!
Some babies might have a tooth come in as early as three months. Others might not have that first tooth come in until they’re a year old. Anything within this nine-month range should be considered normal. Your child should have a complete set of 20 primary teeth by their third birthday.
Cavities and tooth decay are the main concerns for kids this age. That’s why the CDC recommends that babies have their first dental visit by their first birthday.
Transition to Permanent Teeth (Ages 6 to 12)
Between the ages of 6 and 12, your child will gradually start to lose their primary teeth, which makes room for their 32 permanent teeth. One milestone to know about happens around age 6. That’s when the first molars start to appear.
Some children can start to lose primary teeth earlier or later. Early or delayed loss of primary teeth can indicate possible problems. Permanent teeth might be crowded or missing if this happens. Regular dental checkups during childhood are a way to monitor for these problems.
Your child should return for their first orthodontic visit by around age 7. By this age, it should be clear whether your child’s teeth will develop normally or if some early intervention is recommended.
We provide pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, so we’re a “one-stop shop” for all your child’s oral healthcare needs!
Warning Signs in Dental Development
Something to remember as your child is growing is that everyone is still on their own unique timeline. Just because your child doesn’t have their first molar erupt on their sixth birthday doesn’t mean there’s a problem. However, there are some warning signs that you, your pediatric dentist, and your orthodontist will want to be looking for.
Premature or Delayed Tooth Loss
As mentioned above, losing baby teeth too early or too late can cause problems. Tooth decay or a collision on the playground could cause your child to lose a tooth too early. Without that baby tooth in place, it can lead to crowding or misalignment when the permanent teeth finally come in. Delayed loss of baby teeth could mean permanent teeth are impacted or signal some other developmental issue.
Misalignment and Bite Issues
If left uncorrected, an underbite, overbite, or open bite can cause long-term problems for your child. These issues can impact chewing, speech, and jaw development. Therefore, it’s important to visit the orthodontist by age 7 for early intervention.
Weak Enamel and Cavities
White spots or discoloration on your child’s teeth can be a sign of weak enamel, which increases their risk of developing cavities. If cavities go untreated, they can lead to infection, pain, and difficulty eating.
Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use
If your child is sucking their thumb or using a pacifier by age four or beyond, it’s a cause for concern. These habits can alter a child’s jaw or cause misalignment of the teeth. Problems like this may require orthodontic treatment to correct them.
Speech Difficulties Linked to Dental Health
You might not think it’s related to your child’s smile, but speech difficulties can be a sign of a problem. If a child has a persistent lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, it could mean issues with the jaw or misaligned teeth.
Contact Us for All Your Child’s Oral Healthcare Needs
If you have any concerns about your child’s smile or how their teeth are developing, Contact Us at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Nocatee to schedule an appointment.