Happy Smiles Start Early: The Importance of Children’s Orthodontics for Lifelong Dental Health

If your child is showing signs of needing orthodontic care, the earlier they receive that care, the better. According to Mouth Healthy, because abnormal bites are typically first visible between the ages of six and 12, it’s usual for a child to begin seeing orthodontic specialists between eight and 14 years old. With all aspects of dental health, it’s important to instill good habits from a young age.

The Sooner Bite Issues and Misaligned Teeth Are Fixed, the Better

Unfortunately, when you begin to notice issues with your child’s bite or teeth, they need to be addressed right away. Without attention from orthodontic specialists, these issues can worsen over time. Any abnormalities with your child’s teeth or overall dental health should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible.

Regular Dental and Orthodontic Visits Instill Good Habits

When your child understands that going to the dentist and the orthodontist are important parts of their overall wellness, they’ll develop a better understanding of the importance of good dental health. These habits can be instilled through doctor’s visits that are coupled with regular teeth brushing and flossing. After your child knows what dental health is and why it matters, conversations about taking care of their health and their teeth are much easier. For example, when you talk about the need to limit sodas and sweets, they’ll have a strong foundational understanding of why. This knowledge can help them make good decisions as they grow older.

Early Office Visits Help Prevent Fear and Anxiety From Developing

The earlier you begin dental and orthodontic office visits, the less likely your child will develop anxiety when they have to go. If, from an early age, they’ve been going to the dentist and the orthodontist without any difficulty, it’s unlikely that they’ll suddenly feel afraid about these visits. Fear of the dentist or the orthodontist is more likely to occur in older children who aren’t sure why they have to go and then get scared about the visits. Presenting these office calls as just another part of taking care of themselves, the easier it will be.

Our team of orthodontic specialists is here to care for all of your family’s needs. Call our office today at Tru Smile Orthodontics to schedule a consultation and get your child’s oral health started right away. We look forward to treating all of your family’s orthodontic needs!