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When to Seek Help for Your Child’s Underbite and What to Expect from Treatment

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Category: Pediatric Dental Care

When to Seek Help for Your Child’s Underbite and What to Expect from Treatment

As a parent, your child’s health and well-being are always at the forefront of your mind. When it comes to their oral health, an underbite can be cause for concern. But how do you know when it’s time to seek professional help? And what can you expect from treatment? In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about underbites in children and provide practical advice on when to seek help and what types of treatments are available. So let’s dive in!

What is an Underbite?

An underbite is a misalignment of the teeth and jaw. The lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, causing an appearance of a “bulldog” bite. Underbites can be caused by genetics, thumb sucking, or other habits that put pressure on the front teeth. Treatment for an underbite typically involves braces or other orthodontic devices to realign the teeth and jaw. Surgery may also be necessary in severe cases.

Symptoms of an Underbite in Children

While the most noticeable symptom of an underbite in children is the protrusion of their lower jaw, there are a few other telltale signs. If your child has an underbite, you may also notice that they:

  • Have difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Speak with a lisp
  • Breathe through their mouth instead of their nose
  • Have trouble making certain sounds when speaking
  • Experience pain in their jaw or teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s important to seek out professional help. A dental specialist can assess your child’s underbite and recommend the best course of treatment.

When to Seek Help for Your Child’s Underbite

It can be difficult to know when to seek help for your child’s underbite. Some parents may feel like their child’s underbite is not a big deal, while others may be concerned about the way their child’s teeth look. If you are unsure whether or not your child’s underbite is something that needs to be addressed, it is always best to consult with your child’s dentist.

There are several reasons why you may want to seek help for your child’s underbite. If your child is having difficulty chewing or speaking, this can be a sign that their underbite is causing problems. Additionally, if you are concerned about the way your child’s teeth look, treatment may be recommended in order to improve their appearance.

If you do decide to seek treatment for your child’s underbite, there are several options available. The most common type of treatment is braces, which can gradually move the teeth into proper position over time. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

If you are considering seeking help for your child’s underbite, it is important to consult with an experienced dental professional who can assess the severity of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.

Treatment Options for an Underbite in Children

There are a few different ways that an underbite can be treated in children, depending on the severity of the problem. For minor cases, your child’s dentist may recommend wearing a dental appliance called a retainer to help align their teeth. If your child’s underbite is more severe, they may need to undergo surgery to correct it.

The most common type of surgery for an underbite is called maxillomandibular advancement, or MMA. This procedure involves moving both the upper and lower jaws forward to realign them. It is usually done in two separate surgeries, one to move the upper jaw and one to move the lower jaw.

After surgery, your child will need to wear braces for several months to years to ensure their teeth stay in their new alignment. With treatment, most children with an underbite can achieve a healthy, functional bite.

What to Expect During the Treatment Process

If your child has an underbite, you may be wondering when to seek help and what to expect from treatment. An underbite is a type of malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth. It occurs when the lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth. Underbites can be hereditary or acquired through thumb sucking or other habits. They can also be caused by a birth defect or injury.

Most children with an underbite do not require treatment. The condition usually corrects itself as the child grows and the jaws develop. If your child’s underbite does not improve on its own, however, you may want to consult with an orthodontist about treatment options. Treatment for an underbite often includes braces or other dental appliances to realign the jaws and teeth. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

If you are concerned about your child’s underbite, talk to your pediatrician or make an appointment with our Jacksonville dentist.

Conclusion

A child’s underbite can be an issue that needs to be addressed early on in order to prevent long-term damage. If you think your child may have an underbite, it is best to seek help from a qualified dental professional as soon as possible. With the right treatment plan and care, it is possible for your child’s smile to be restored and their overall oral health improved significantly. Don’t hesitate; reach out for help today!

Pediatric Dentistry – When To Start & Benefits

When it comes to pediatric dentistry, parents may have many questions about what is best for their child. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. It is important for parents to understand why pediatric dentists are necessary and how long children should be seeing them in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout childhood.

Why Is Pediatric Dentistry Necessary?

Pediatric dentists are specially trained pediatric health care providers who specialize in the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive preventative and therapeutic oral health care for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. They have extensive knowledge and experience in pediatric dental issues such as thumb-sucking, fluoride therapy, pediatric tooth decay and trauma, pediatric dental sedation, orthodontics, pediatric oral health education and more.

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?

The AAPD recommends that children visit the pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This allows pediatric dentists to evaluate the development of the primary (baby) teeth and create a comprehensive plan for their oral health, as well as discuss any issues or concerns the parent has about their child’s dental health. Children should visit the pediatric dentist every six months for routine check-ups and professional cleanings, even if no decay or cavities are present.

Benefits Of Starting Early Dental Care For Kids

1. Preventative Care

Pediatric dentists can provide preventative care for children and help them establish healthy oral hygiene habits early on. Preventative care includes professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, nutritional advice, and education on proper brushing techniques. These services help ensure that children’s teeth and gums remain healthy and that their oral health is maintained throughout childhood.

2. Restorative Care

Pediatric dentists also provide restorative care for children, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals and extractions. If a pediatric dentist detects any cavities or decay in the teeth, they will recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

3. Orthodontic Care

Pediatric dentists can also provide orthodontic care for children, such as braces and other corrective measures. Orthodontic treatment helps to ensure that the teeth are properly aligned and functioning optimally, thus improving overall oral health.

Conclusion

Pediatric dentistry is an important part of pediatric health care and is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout childhood. The AAPD recommends that children visit the pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting, so that pediatric dentists can evaluate the development of the primary (baby) teeth and create a comprehensive plan for their oral health. Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive preventative and restorative care, as as orthodontic treatment if necessary.

FAQs

Q: What pediatric services do pediatric dentists offer?

A: Pediatric dentists offer comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. This includes professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, nutritional advice, and education on proper brushing techniques.

Q: How often should a child visit the pediatric dentist?

A: The AAPD recommends that children visit the pediatric dentist every six months for routine check-ups and professional cleanings.

Q: Where can I find pediatric dentists in Jacksonville?

A:  Pediatric dentists in Jacksonville can be found through the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s website. Simply enter your zip code and you will be presented with a list of pediatric dentists near you. You can also book appointment with our pediatric dentist at Baymeadows Park Dental in Jacksonville.

Cavities Among Toddlers In Jacksonville

Did you know that infants and toddlers alike are susceptible to developing cavities? As soon as your kid receives their first tooth, there is a risk of tooth cavities. As a result, it is very important to make an appointment for a dental examination for your kid as soon as you see the first tooth developing in their mouth.You can visit Baymeadows Park in Jacksonville,FL for more information on pedodontists.

In particular, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that you plan your child’s first appointment with the dentist as soon as possible and provides the following guidelines for doing so:

When you notice your kid has their first tooth (or, at the very latest, within the first six months of seeing it), When your child has their first birthday.The dentist in Jacksonville will be able to provide you with information on the following topics during this appointment which includes:

  • Decay of Deciduous Teeth Caused by Baby Bottles Infant Feeding Practices
  • Habits of Mouth Cleaning, Teething, and Pacifier Use
  • Habits, Including Sucking on Fingers and More

Do you think taking your kid to the dentist at such a young age is unusual?

It is estimated that more than 21 percent of American children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities. Research suggests that children who visit the dentist before their first birthday may have a lower risk of developing tooth decay than children who wait until they are older to make an appointment.

The Initial Consultation: What You Can Expect

At the initial dental visit for your kid, our pediatric dentist will examine your baby’s teeth. The pediatric dentist will look for any symptoms of tooth decay and problems that may need further dental treatment. It is advised that you plan an appointment in the morning, if at all feasible, so your kid will be more aware at the time of the visit.

This first appointment typically lasts anywhere from thirty to forty-five minutes. Depending on how old your child is, your kid’s teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and other oral tissues may all be examined by the dentist. Because of this, a precise assessment of both growth and development will be possible.

Additionally, you may anticipate being questioned about the eating habits of your kid, and you will get knowledge about how certain foods and beverages, especially for infants, might impact dental health.

Your child’s teeth may be protected at home in a variety of methods, including the following:

  • Before the child’s teeth erupt, you should use a wet towel to wipe the gums.
  • You shouldn’t give a youngster a bottle of milk, juice, or any other sweetened beverage at night or just before a nap.
  • Reduce the amount of time the baby spends drinking from a bottle (usually five to six minutes at a time is best)
  • Reduce your consumption of sweets and foods that contribute to tooth decay (hard candies, white bread, sweetened drinks)

In addition, the sooner you take your kid for a checkup at the dentist, the sooner they will feel more at ease with having their teeth examined and cleaned.Do visit Baymeadows Park Dental in Jacksonville,FL for the best pediatric dentist nearby.

Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

Depending on how long the thumb sucking or constant pacifier use continues, and how aggressively the child sucks a thumb or the pacifier, it can indeed be an oral health issue. Generally speaking, most children outgrow these behaviors or are able to be weaned off them successfully sometime between ages two and four. When children wean off the behaviors in this age range, long-term damage is unlikely.

Why Kids Suck Their Thumb or Pacifier

Both of these habits are actually a form of self soothing that your child likely uses when he or she is very upset, or feeling stressed, confused, frustrated, or unable to properly express the emotions. If your son or daughters is a regular thumb sucker, or the child wants to use the pacifier almost constantly, it is best to try to taper off these habits at a young age.

If your child continues to suck a thumb or request a pacifier consistently after leaving toddler-hood, this could be a source of concern, and it should be addressed with Dr. Franklin Rios and our staff. We will be able to evaluate your child’s mouth to look for any signs of damage such as palate changes or teeth shifting.

Say Goodbye to Old Habits

In the event that your child is quite reluctant to give up a pacifier or thumb-sucking habit, there are a few things you can do to discourage these behaviors.

  • When you notice that your child is not using a pacifier or sucking a thumb, offer effusive praise. This type of positive reinforcement can be much more effective than scolding the child.
  • Consider instituting a reward system for giving up the habit. If the child goes a certain amount of time without this behavior, award him or her for being such a “big kid.”
  • Employ the help of older siblings or relatives that your child admires. When a child’s role model says that he or she stopped sucking thumbs at a certain age, your child is likely to try to emulate that.

How do I handle my child’s dental emergency?

With children undergoing developmental dental changes and engaging in rough-and-tumble activities, dental emergencies can sometimes arise. If your child knocks out a tooth or experiences any type of oral discomfort, call Baymeadows Park Dental right away so we can provide you with a quick assessment and pain-free treatment.

Before an emergency occurs, it’s a good idea to stay informed about the problems your child may encounter. Here are a few things you should keep in mind about teething pain, loose baby teeth, and other common dental issues.

Teething Pain

Typically occurring in babies that are between four months and two and a half years old, teething may cause excessive drooling, tender gums, and some irritability. Giving your baby a cold teething ring or gently rubbing her gums with wet gauze or your finger may also make her feel better.

Loose Baby Tooth

It is normal for a child’s first set of teeth to become loose and fall out. On the other hand, if your child’s baby tooth is knocked loose, schedule an appointment with our office so we can assess whether any damage has been done.

Issues with Permanent Teeth

Sometimes a child’s permanent teeth will grow in before the baby teeth have fallen out. Even if this condition isn’t causing any discomfort, you should schedule an appointment with our office so we can determine whether your child’s permanent teeth are growing in correctly.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can result from a number of factors, including periodontal disease, rough brushing, or an injury to the gum tissue. If your child’s gums are bleeding heavily, call our office right away so we can address the situation. If you have time before your appointment, wash your child’s mouth with salted water and gently put pressure on the affected area.

Regardless of the type of dental issue your child has, you can always consult Dr. Franklin Rios for further guidance. We make sure our emergency services are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, so you have ready access to convenient and professional dental care that will have your child feeling better in no time.

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