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At One Dental, cavity prevention and treatment are just one part of our kids’ dental care in Monroe. We also assess the way your child’s smile is physically developing. Just like a sapling tree can be guided as it grows, a child’s jaw and teeth are very responsive to daily habits. Catching any negative habits early makes things much easier (and cheaper!) down the road.
Here’s what to know about common habits that could be disrupting your child’s smile.
The Truth About Thumb Sucking
It’s perfectly normal for babies to suck their thumbs, but if the habit sticks around past age three, it can start to disrupt their smile. The constant pressure can actually push the front teeth forward and reshape the roof of the mouth.
If you notice your child’s top and bottom front teeth don’t touch even when they bite down (an open bite), it’s time for an assessment. We can help with gentle ways to break the habit and treat their bite, so their jaw can move back into its natural position on its own.
Is Your Child a Mouth Breather?
If your child sleeps with their mouth open or seems to breathe through their mouth during the day, it could be affecting their oral health. Mouth breathing can cause the upper jaw to grow narrow, leading to crowded teeth and even sleep issues.
By catching mouth breathing early, we can sometimes use a palatal expander to gently widen the jaw. The expander creates plenty of room for adult teeth to come in straight and helps your child breathe much easier through their nose.
Read More: Questions to Optimize Your Child’s Daily Hygiene Routine
The Mystery of Nighttime Grinding
If you’ve ever heard a crunching sound coming from your child’s room at night, they may have bruxism. Many kids grind their teeth as their adult teeth start to move in. While it sounds scary, most kids outgrow it.
We check for signs of flattened teeth or jaw soreness during every visit. If the grinding is aggressive, we can help protect those brand-new adult molars with custom night guards.
Protect Your Child’s Smile with Kids’ Dental Care in Monroe
Keep your child’s development on the right track by visiting One Dental for children’s dentistry in Monroe. We offer preventive care and tailored services to prevent and address common dental concerns children face.
Schedule an appointment today at our dentist office in Monroe, MI.
