From birth through adulthood, it’s only natural for parents to worry about their children’s physical and mental health and well being. We wonder if our kids’ height and weight is proportionate, if they are happy and adjusting well, if their intelligence is up to part with that of their peers, and the list goes on and on. In the early years, we worry about their teeth and whether they will need orthodontic intervention. One mistake many parents make, though, is believing that they don’t need to worry about their children’s teeth until the permanent teeth erupt. It’s true that baby teeth are temporary. But parents need to be on the lookout for problems early on.
Early Intervention May be Helpful for Kids Whose Baby Teeth Don't Fall Out as Expected
It’s true that in this day and age, parents have been accused of encouraging their kids to grow up too quickly. But when your child’s baby teeth steadfastly remain long after their peers’ permanent teeth are coming in (specifically 2 years longer), you should take action. “What action?” you may ask. Simply schedule a visit with an orthodontist. If your child is losing his or her primary teeth in the expected sequence, odds are that there is not a problem. Your child may simply be a “late bloomer” (toothwise!)
Intervention (tooth removal) may be warranted, though, if your child’s secondary molars begin to erupt and baby teeth are still present. Another reason why it may be smart to have baby teeth pulled is if they are crowding permanent teeth trying to erupt. The last thing you want is for stubborn baby teeth to adversely change the course of permanent teeth coming in. If you do nothing, the baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to come in at crooked angles. We all know what that means down the line: your child will need braces.
Sometimes the Best Course of Action is to Take No Action
In some cases, baby teeth stick around longer than expected but do no damage. If no permanent teeth are trying to erupt, the primary (baby) teeth should remain in most cases. Unless there is trauma or infection present, the baby teeth serve as place holders for the delayed-onset permanent teeth. Removing them prematurely could cause the gums to close up and make the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth painful and traumatic. In this case, it's best to simply be patient and let nature take its course.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening? Beecroft Orthodontics
Orthodontia is a Lasting Gift You Can Give Your Child
If you are concerned about how your child’s teeth are developing, we encourage you to seek qualified orthodontic care sooner rather than later. Giving a child early orthodontic intervention is a gift that he or she will benefit from their entire lives. We have a wide array of satisfied clients from all over Virgina. We have patients who have benefited from Wildsmile braces in North Stafford, gold braces in Virginia Beach, and an array of different types of braces in Fredericksburg. Beecroft Orthodontics has offices in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and King George. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your child.
Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Phone: 540-898-2200
Baby Teeth Removal: Is It Necessary?