The life of new parents revolves around incredibly tough choices like strawed or handled sippy cups, organic or vegan purée pouches, and how much Daniel Tiger is too much. I speak from experience! Parents can be so distracted by these “crucial” decisions that they’ve driven halfway down the cul-de-sac before realizing they forgot to finish buckling the car seat (I will not confirm or deny whether I speak from experience on this one). Good oral health practices instilled in your child from infancy are part of a strong foundation in long-term systemic health. However, often overlooked in the early conversation on teeth is the importance of the bite.
When to see an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists (mylifemysmile.org) recommends that children get a check-up with a orthodontist by the age of 7. At this appointment, we monitor for several potential problems. Some of the issues detected can be more effectively treated at an early age, while others may be appropriate to let remain until adolescence when all or most of the permanent teeth are present. Early, or interceptive, treatment is aimed at managing conditions including, but not limited to, premature loss of baby teeth, functional issues (chewing, breathing), jaw alignment, and trauma-prone tooth protrusion.
What does that have to do with baby?
What does this have to do with your diaper-clad bundle of joy? Also evaluated at this orthodontic visit is the presence of a non-nutritive sucking habit (pacifiers or fingers). This behavior is relatively common in early development and tends to spontaneously cease with only 40% of children still having a habit present at age 3. Generally, as long as the habit is stopped before eruption of the permanent teeth, there is little long-term effect. However, if the habit lingers into adolescence, what began as a natural way for a child to self-soothe, can cause developmental issues in the form of a crossbite (teeth positioned too far towards the tongue or too far towards the cheek/lip in relation to the opposing teeth) and/or an open bite (upper teeth do not touch the opposing lower teeth). The disruption of the balance between pressure on the teeth from the tongue and cheek, rather than the negative pressure created during sucking, is most responsible for crossbite formation. Whether “orthodontist-approved” pacifiers are truly a healthier option is inconclusive. Children who engage in a habit intensely but for short intervals may not display as much of an effect on the teeth as compared to a habit of less intensity but longer duration. While quitting cold turkey works for some children, gradual weaning may be more successful. Once the child reaches an age of self-awareness, they must have the desire to stop the habit for home remedies (a Band-Aid on the sucked finger works great!) or, even some orthodontic appliances, to be successful.
Picture of Cross Bite
Teeth positioned too far towards the tongue or too far towards the cheek/lip in relation to the opposing teeth.
Picture of Open Bite
Upper teeth do not touch the opposing lower teeth.
Commit early to a beautiful smile
So, when you get a chance to think about something other than cleaning the spilled milk in the back seat or tending to those never-ending sniffles and ear infections, remember beautiful smiles start with an early commitment to a complete oral health care regimen, a basic understanding of dental habits and conditions, and a visit to an orthodontist.
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Find out here in this Twinsie Tips Article.
Dr. Levin practices with Dr. Brett Gluck at Quality Orthodontic Care in Alpharetta and Johns Creek, Georgia, just north of Atlanta (qualityorthocare.com). QOC treats children, teens, and adults with metal and clear braces, and is a Diamond+ Invisalign provider, one of only three private practices in Georgia with this distinction.
A third-generation orthodontist, Dr. Levin was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience followed by a Master of Arts in medical science from Boston University School of Medicine. He then received a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed an advanced specialty education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics.
Dr. Levin is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and is a member of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, Georgia Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Georgia Dental Association. He is also on staff at The Ben Massell Dental Clinic volunteering to provide orthodontic care for Atlanta’s underserved populations.
Dr. Levin and his wife, Shannen, reside in Sandy Springs with their 16-month old son, Barrett.
