Fix Your Child’s Bad Bite and Relieve Their TMJ With the Help of Orthodontics

A bad bite is a misalignment of the teeth, which may cause a number of problems. A bad bite makes chewing difficult and can cause tooth wear. This can also cause a number of TMJ disorders.

What Is A Bad Bite?

A bad bite is when the teeth do not align properly, often overlapping or sticking out. This tooth misalignment can cause discomfort or a “clenching” of the jaw that often leads to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). TMD refers to a group of conditions that cause pain in the jaw joints and muscles, as well as recurring headaches. It affects nearly one in ten people in the United States at some point in their lives. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of A Bad Bite

A bad bite can result in a number of problems for your child, such as difficulty chewing or speaking properly, as well as excessive wear on certain teeth. Additionally, your child may experience pain in their jaw and neck area due to the tension and pressure caused by a poor bite. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist for a comprehensive evaluation. They’ll be able to determine whether orthodontic treatment is needed in order to correct their poor bite and decrease their discomfort and pain.

Causes of A Bad Bite

Large gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, or an overbite can all cause your child to develop a bad bite. Other causes include mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or using a pacifier for too long.

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Fix These Disorders?

Children have permanent teeth forming underneath their gums. When these primary (baby) teeth fall out, the permanent teeth replace them. If the teeth grow crooked or out of place, then this can have an effect on the growing adult jaws. When teeth are crowded together, this can cause the teeth to become misaligned and require orthodontic intervention. This misalignment can also affect the way your child’s jaw develops.

Over time, your orthodontist will monitor your child’s teeth and jaw growth to make sure that everything is developing normally. If your orthodontist notices any discrepancies with how your child is acting and developing, they may recommend early intervention to align their teeth and jaws early so that future issues with chewing, speaking, and even breathing can be avoided.

If left untreated, a bad bite can result in problems with speech production, chewing food, and other daily activities. Your orthodontist will be able to discuss the severity of your child’s problem and help them understand the benefits of corrective treatment. They will also tell you what to expect as you and your child go through this process of straightening their teeth and improving their overall oral health.

If your child is experiencing any of the above problems, talk to your local family dentist about conducting an orthodontic evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate for braces or other orthodontic treatments.