Primary Teeth

Four Things Moms Need to Check in Their Four Year Old’s Bite

January 14th, 2016

WHEN YOUR FOUR-YEAR-OLD says “Cheese!” at her birthday party, take time to notice if her bite is right.

Most children see a pediatric dentist by age two. By age four, your child may be referred to an orthodontist for severe tooth and bite problems.

There are four childhood conditions treated by an orthodontist as early as age four.

1. Crowded Baby Teeth

Baby teeth should have spacing between them. Overlapped baby teeth are a sign of severe crowding. The permanent front teeth are larger than the baby teeth they replace and need adequate space.

2. Crossbite of Baby Teeth

Crossbite occurs when upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. If your four year old is experiencing difficulty chewing or bites her cheeks, she may have a crossbite. A crossbite can cause grinding and wearing down of baby teeth. Long term, a crossbite will create an abnormal growth pattern.

3. Lower Jaw Shift with Baby Teeth

Baby teeth out of position can create interference tooth hitting and produce a lower jaw shift. Tooth interference with jaw shifting will wear down teeth and create an abnormal growth pattern.

4. Narrow Upper Jaw with Baby Teeth

A narrow upper jaw indicates narrow nasal passages. This can create open-mouth breathing and sleep problems. Lack of sleep can significantly contribute to difficulty learning at school.

Correction of these early bite problems is of great health benefit to your four year old child. Early treatment by an orthodontist will minimize the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment at a later age.

To Find An Orthodontist Near You...

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at mylifemysmile.org. To find a pediatric dentist nearby, you can visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) at mychildrensteeth.org.

This patient was treated by Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics, in Antioch, California. For a free consultation call (925) 757-9000.

Make sure your child’s bite is healthy when saying “Cheese!” and that she enjoys eating her birthday cake at age four, or any age.

Cross-Out Anterior Crossbite

December 3rd, 2014

ANTERIOR CROSSBITE of permanent front teeth is often caused by baby teeth not falling out by age 7.

The permanent front teeth come in behind the baby teeth if baby teeth do not fall out on time.

Anterior Crossbites Can Lead To Serious Problems

This double row of teeth can give kids a “shark tooth” appearance. If you see double teeth, your child needs baby tooth extraction.

Anterior crossbites can lead to front tooth wear, gum recession, or lower jaw shifting. These symptoms are serious and need to be treated by an orthodontist at age 7.

This early treatment of 12 permanent teeth is called Phase I Orthodontic Treatment.

Contact Us For More Information

For correction of an anterior crossbite in a seven year old, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

Help us cross out anterior crossbite. Give your child a healthy smile!

More Topics
diplomate american board of orthodontics Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists advanced education in orthdontics
member american association of orthodontists seattle study club american dental association california dental association
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