What Parents Should Know About a Child’s Jaw Development

Signs of Abnormal Jaw Development

While your dentist will check for any signs of abnormal jaw development at regularly scheduled appointments, there are a few things you can look out for at home and bring to your dentist’s attention if you find them concerning.

Tooth crowding, chewing issues, facial asymmetry, and jaw shifting are all good things to discuss with your dentist. Early intervention and evaluation are always best. Often the best times to deal with problems with the least amount of pain and cost is while your child’s jaw is still developing.

Causes of Jaw Growth and Bite Problems

There are two main causes of jaw growth and bite problems in children and adolescents — genetics and environmental factors. In some cases, multiple factors can contribute to problems.

Some jaw and bite problems run in families, and there is little that can be done about them without orthodontic intervention. However, some of these issues are simply associated with normal growth differences in different bodies.

These issues can include:

• Congenital bite issues
• Jaw size differences and differences in growth
• Narrow arches
• Tooth crowding or jaw size issues
• Underbites, overbites, and crossbites

Still, there are some issues that are environmental or are formed due to habits practiced by babies, toddlers, and adolescents. These issues oftentimes can be avoided with proper attention but can also be repaired later if they do occur.

Habits that you and your family caregivers should watch out for include:

• Thumb sucking
• Extended pacifier use
• Tongue thrusting
• Prolonged bottle use

These habits may cause issues, like bite changes, tooth movement, and misaligned teeth. If you’re not sure what habits you should encourage or discourage in your child, talk to your dentist about what may be harmful.

How Jaw Development Is Evaluated

Evaluation does not always mean braces. Most evaluations simply mean monitoring your child’s jaw and orthodontic progress at regularly scheduled visits. During these visits, your dentist will use visual inspection, advanced imaging, like X-rays, and other techniques to monitor your child’s oral health and make recommendations or watch out for problems in the future.

At your appointment, your dentist will also assess issues, such as jaw growth, bite, spacing, and facial symmetry.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends orthodontic screening by age 7.

Early Treatment Options

Aside from traditional braces, there are some early treatment options that may help the development of your child’s jaw and facial structure. These are called “interceptive orthodontics.” Not every child needs them, but they can be useful for some.

The goal of this kind of treatment is not necessarily to avoid braces later but to create a healthy foundation for jaw growth and teeth alignment. This type of orthodontics often happens around adolescence, as young as 7-years-old.

Techniques include expanders, which widen the jaw; space maintainers, which help teeth to come in and grow properly; and functional appliances that help guide jaw development.

Supporting Healthy Jaw Development at Home

The best way to support healthy jaw development at home is by promoting good oral health overall. This includes brushing twice per day, in the morning and before bed at night, and flossing in the evening before brushing.

Your child should also always see a dentist every six months or as directed for a checkup and cleaning. During these appointments, your dentist will check your child’s mouth and teeth for correct development and any orthodontic needs.

You should also discourage habits that are harmful to dental health. This includes thumb sucking, extended pacifier usage, and prolonged bottle use. Speak with your dentist to learn more about how these may be effectively discouraged.

Finally, encourage good eating habits. Limit sugary foods and drinks, and ensure your child eats an abundance of whole foods, including a lot of fruits and vegetables. This will encourage healthy growth over time and good habits in adulthood.

When To Contact Absolute Dental

If you have noticed any oral issues in your children, including bite issues, facial asymmetry, chewing difficulties, or delayed tooth eruption, contact Absolute Dental for an appointment.

Your child should also generally see the dentist twice per year (every six months), or as directed, for regular checkups and cleanings. During these visits, your dentist will check on the development of your child’s jaw and teeth and can make recommendations for treatment.

Absolute Dental offers a patient-focused approach to treatment that families love. We offer conveniently located offices across the state of Nevada and are always accepting new patients. Contact Absolute Dental today with questions, or to schedule an appointment. Appointments may also be scheduled online.