Early Signs That Your Child
Might Need Orthodontic Intervention
It can be difficult to determine whether or not your child needs orthodontic intervention, particularly because the signs are often subtle. However, early intervention is essential to properly address poor oral resting postures and crowded teeth, ideally when baby teeth are still present. Addressing these causes earlier in life, when children are actively growing, will help kids return to more normal growth and development.
So, what are some of the signs that you should be looking for? The most prominent signs include:
- An open mouth posture with the lips apart when not speaking, eating, or drinking
- Mouth breathing (both during the day and at night)
- No space between the front baby teeth
- Uneven or poorly aligned lower front permanent teeth
- Drooling, associated with an open mouth posture
- Headaches
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth during day or night
- Chronic ear aches or infections
- Allergies
- Colic
- Bedwetting that persists past the age of 3
- Waking during the night/nightmares
- Psychological and/or attention problems
- Cannot sit still or persistent fidgeting
- Large tonsils
- Restless sleep
- Snoring
- Heavy breathing
- Chapped lips
- Tongue Thrust
- Asthma
