Treating orthodontic issues in older children and adults is costly, time-consuming, and often painful. Thus it pays to minimize the possibility of such issues from as young an age as possible. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to lower the likelihood of your children developing orthodontic problems, read on. This article will provide three helpful tips.
Practice good pre-birth nutrition.
The early phases of palate and jaw formation take place while a child is still in the womb. In order to supply the developing child with the necessary minerals and nutrients, thus ensuring that orthodontic formation proceeds normally, it is important for the mother to practice good nutritional habits. In fact, such dietary habits should be practiced by both parents in the months before conception.
A healthy diet, one rich in all the major groups of vitamins, promotes healthy bone growth. Vitamin deficiencies have been shown to increase the risk of bone deformities, as well as, in the case of B group vitamin deficiency, cleft palates. Likewise, the use of alcohol and certain social drugs increases the risk of birth defects—including underdeveloped jaws. Prospective parents should chat with a nutritionist about the best way to ensure a well balanced diet.
Breastfeed your child.
Breastfeeding has long been touted as the best way to provide your nursing baby with the nutrition it needs. But, as it turns out, breastfeeding is just as helpful where the proper development of facial muscles are concerned. That's because breastfeeding requires a very sophisticated and specific coordination of the jaw and tongue, especially compared to bottle feeding. As a result, the jaw is encouraged to develop a proper resting position.
A poorly oriented jaw leads to the problem of top and bottom teeth that don't come together properly—a condition commonly referred to as malocclusion. Studies have conclusively proven that breastfeeding acts to lower the chances of developing malocclusion. One such study showed that children who breastfed for three or fewer months possessed a malocclusion rate of 32.5 percent. Children who breastfeed for more than a year, on the other hand, had only a 15.9 percent malocclusion rate.
Have your child's tonsils examined on a routine basis.
Enlarged tonsils are a common problem in children, yet one that can easily escape detection unless specifically checked for. Because they tend to block the nasal breathing passages, it is common for children with enlarged tonsils to become habitual mouth breathers. Unfortunately, mouth breathing tends to affect the development of facial structures in a negative way, increasing the likelihood of orthodontic problems down the line. Be sure to ask both your child's pediatrician and dentist to pay attention for enlarged tonsils.
Share3 August 2016
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!