It could be. When a person can’t comfortably keep their lips together when the mouth is closed and at rest, the condition is called “lip incompetence.” This can affect facial muscles, which could alter facial development. There may be problems with swallowing, jaw joint function, and the way teeth come in. See an AAO orthodontist for an evaluation.
A child’s mouth needs baby teeth to hold space for permanent teeth. Without baby teeth, permanent teeth may not come in properly, and facial development can be affected. See an AAO orthodontist to learn what early loss of baby teeth means for your child.
Yes. Protrusive front teeth may be the outward sign of a problem with the positions of the jaws, or positions of the teeth, even if your child has baby teeth. Protrusive upper front teeth are more likely to be broken at play or in an accident. Consult an AAO orthodontist.
Prolonged sucking exerts force on the teeth and on the bone that supports the teeth. If your child sucks a thumb, finger, pacifier, lips, or fabric such as clothing or a blanket beyond age 4, there could be unwanted consequences. Teeth may be pushed forward, an open bite may develop, and bone may become misshapen.
No. This could be an early sign of something an orthodontist should monitor. You may wish to take your child to an AAO orthodontist for a check-up.
Yes. In general, space between baby teeth is a good thing. It indicates there should be room for permanent teeth to come in. But if you have concerns about your child’s teeth or jaws, check with an AAO orthodontist for an expert opinion. A referral is not required. Many AAO orthodontists provide free or low-cost initial visits.
Begin dental hygiene in infancy. Clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after meals, and continue the practice as teeth begin to emerge. Help your toddler brush his teeth twice a day, and begin daily flossing when two teeth touch. Take your child to the dentist for a check-up after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. Keep up regular dental appointments so baby teeth stay healthy and in place until it’s time for permanent teeth to come in.
Baby teeth are important to your child’s development. Even though the time will come that they will fall out, they are far from “disposable.” Baby teeth, also called primary or deciduous teeth, contribute to your child’s facial development, as well as the ability to bite, chew and speak. Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth that succeed them. Even baby teeth can decay, so limit or avoid sugary and/or acidic liquids (regular and diet soda pop, fruit juices, sports drinks), especially before bedtime.
The purpose of early treatment is not moving baby teeth to improve their appearance. Rather, early treatment is done to create a healthy environment for permanent teeth that will be coming in. While baby teeth may be repositioned in preventive or interceptive orthodontic treatment, their movement is incidental. Baby teeth are there to hold space for permanent teeth, to help with facial development, to make it possible to bite and chew, and for clear speech.
Not necessarily. Sometimes preventive or interceptive orthodontic treatment is all that a patient needs. More often, though, patients will require a second phase of comprehensive orthodontic treatment after a child has most or all of their permanent teeth. This completes the tooth and jaw alignment that was started with a first phase of preventive or interceptive treatment.
