Each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Month to promote the benefits of great oral health. While most people understand the importance of a healthy smile, few people know just how big of a role orthodontic care plays children’s overall oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up with a licensed orthodontist around the age of seven. Many initial crowding, crossbite, and jaw discrepancies begin to surface at that time. Early treatment could allow your orthodontist to guide jaw growth, help lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, detect and correct harmful oral habits, improve your child’s bite, and improve the appearance of your child’s smile. Many times, early treatment may prevent more serious issues from developing, make treatment later on shorter and less complicated, or help your child avoid further treatment altogether.
Whether or not the initial assessment reveals any issues, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything you can to help your child develop a healthy, beautiful smile.