If you are like most people, you probably do not think you have to take your child to see an orthodontist until he is a preteen. Well, that notion could not be farther from the truth. It is actually recommended to take your child to the orthodontist by the time he is 7. Here are three reasons why you should take your 7-year-old to the orthodontist.
An Orthodontist Can Check Your Child’s Bite
When you go to an orthodontist’s office, he will be able to check your child’s bite. If your child has a bad bite, it will be very difficult for him to chew food. If the orthodontist detects a bite problem early, he will be able to treat it much easier.
An Orthodontist Can Correct Harmful Oral Habits
It is possible that your 7-year-old might be engaging in oral habits that could be harmful to his teeth. An orthodontist can make your child aware of these harmful habits before they completely ruin his teeth. For example, your child could be sucking his thumb. This habit might seem harmless, but it can actually cause a lot of dental problems including protruding front teeth and misaligned teeth.
An Orthodontist Can Check for Missing or Extra Teeth
Although it is not uncommon to have missing or extra teeth, it can create problems in the future. For example, if your child has too many teeth, they can disrupt the normal dental balance and make chewing difficult for him. If the orthodontist finds extra teeth, he can pull them out during a future appointment.
As you can see, it is extremely important to take your 7-year-old to see the orthodontist. If your child is nervous about seeing an orthodontist, tell him that there is nothing to worry about and that visiting an orthodontist is very important.
After your child sees an orthodontist, make sure he is taking proper care of his teeth and not engaging in harmful oral habits. Encourage your child to brush and floss his daily to keep them clean and healthy. Also, advise him against consuming a lot of sugary foods and beverages. Explain to him that drinks and foods with a lot of sugar can damage his teeth. If your child ends up having to wear braces, let him know that it is only temporary and that they will really improve the appearance of his teeth.
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Peter Wendt writes about oral health from his home in Nashville, TN. Peter didn’t see an orthodontist until his teenage years, but after learning first hand of the harm that late detection of orthodontic issues can cause, he demands that his kids visit his Nashville Children’s Orthodontist very early on.