Many parents may be surprised to learn that orthodontic treatment, often associated with teenagers and braces, can sometimes begin with what happens with babies and young children. Eighty percent of All Babies sleep with a ‘Open Mouth’ posture. This same group of infant with without any intervention need Orthodontic treatment later in their life. In some cases, early intervention by a pediatric dentist can address potential issues and ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for your child in the future. A mouth open ‘Sleep Posture’ in infants results in more forward growth of the upper jaw and less forward growth of the lower jaw.

Early Signs of Misalignment:

• An ‘Open Mouth Sleep Posture’ results in a Tongue Posture that is NOT in the top of the mouth but in the open lower jaw.
• The Upper Jaw as it grows forward leaves the lower jaw lagging behind since it is NOT in contact with forward growing upper jaw but hanging open.
• The Tongue NOT residing in the upper jaw does NOT provide the needed benefit of making the ‘FACE’ and upper grow in width.
• This width of the FACE benefits the nasal passages in more direct air passage improving natural ‘Nasal Breathing’.
• The ‘Open Mouth’ sleep posture results in the upper teeth erupting more vertical resulting in an excessive ‘Overbite’.
• The CLASSIC results is a Child’s Bite at five years (5) that can be described as
  • Deep Bite
  • Gummy Smile
  • When the biting closed, one can hardly see their bottom front teeth.

Benefits of Early Intervention:
Early orthodontic intervention in babies and young children offers several advantages:

• Preventative Care: By addressing potential issues early, you can prevent them from becoming more complex problems later, potentially avoiding the need for extensive orthodontic treatment in adolescence.
• Improved Oral Health: Early intervention can promote proper jaw development and ensure adequate space for permanent teeth, leading to better oral health overall.
• Boosted Confidence: A healthy and aligned smile can contribute positively to a child’s self-esteem as they grow.

Remember: It is really about the ‘OXYGEN’
Early intervention doesn’t necessarily mean braces. Pediatric dentists have various tools and appliances designed specifically for young children. These appliances are gentle and work to guide jaw development or create space for teeth.

When to Consult a Pediatric Dentist:
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, or have any concerns about your baby’s oral development, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. They can assess your child’s individual needs and determine if early intervention is recommended. Early detection and proactive care are crucial for ensuring your baby’s oral health and a bright, healthy smile in the future.