Most individuals have crooked teeth and naturally straight teeth are a rare occurrence. Moreover, parents don’t have much control over whether their kids have straight teeth or not. Even if you got your teeth straightened as a kid, it is highly likely that your kids will have crooked teeth as the alignment of the teeth is mostly determined by genetic factors. However, if you take the right precautions, and visit the Carlsbad Children's Dentistry regularly then you can reduce your kid’s chances of developing crooked teeth.
Tips to prevent crooked teeth
By developing a proper understanding of how to prevent crooked teeth when permanent teeth start erupting, parents can easily avoid expensive teeth straightening procedures. These practices can also help in the maintenance of good oral hygiene. Along with regular visits to the Carlsbad Pediatric Dental Care, the following are some ways to prevent the development of misaligned teeth:
Good Oral Hygiene
One of the most important precautions you can take to ensure that your little one has straight teeth is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. You must remember that kids are entirely dependent on parents for meeting their needs including the maintenance of oral hygiene. Thus, it is your responsibility to ensure that they brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and make use of mouthwash if they are of age. You can ask your Children’s Dentist in Carlsbad whether your kid needs to rinse with a mouthwash and if yes, then which one. You must also take them to their regular appointments so that your pediatric dentist can monitor the development of their teeth and jaw and check if there are any signs of oral complications.
Prevent Excessive Thumb Sucking
Most toddlers indulge in thumb-sucking and it is completely normal to do so. Thumb-sucking is a healthy and natural way for toddlers to relieve their anxiety and stress. Since infants aren’t capable of expressing their stress through words, thumb-sucking is a habit that helps them relieve their stress, and hence, you shouldn’t discourage them from engaging in this habit early on. However, if this continues for too long, it can be problematic and result in crooked teeth. Thumb-sucking is not an issue for kids under the age of three. But they should stop sucking their thumb once they reach the age of four. If it is difficult for them to stop then you can find alternatives for them.
Treat Damaged Teeth
If teeth fall out before their expected time, it can result in misalignment when the permanent teeth erupt. First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure that good oral hygiene is maintained. This helps in keeping the milk teeth for as long as possible. In the meanwhile, if baby teeth do get damaged then they must be treated at the earliest. Options such as fillings, crowns, and dental sealants can be used for repairing broken or damaged teeth. If you think that your kid needs any of these, you can talk to an Orthodontist in Carlsbad, Ca.
Conclusion
The quality of dental care provided to baby teeth during childhood acts as a foundation for the appearance and health of permanent teeth. Hence, it is of utmost importance to inculcate good oral hygiene habits in children right from the early years. You must also ensure that your kid has visited Carlsbad Orthodontics at least once before they turn seven years old.