Overbite Problems: 7 Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know about Their Child
Unique Smile: Unique Issues
Everyone has a completely unique smile, and that’s exactly how we want it! More than likely, you could pick your child’s smile out of a lineup with ease. It’s special to them, filled with their own personality. Sometimes, that uniqueness is enhanced by things that could be issues in the future. One of these potentially problematic things is an overbite.
Now, don’t panic! These little overbites are incredibly common. In fact, it’s thought that nearly 70% of children have an overbite. This can become a problem if the teeth overlap more than 2 to 4 millimeters. If left untreated, this malocclusion (a severe overbite) can lead to jaw pain, speech difficulties, uneven tooth wear, and more. Early detection matters in helping your child have healthy bite development and jaw growth.
What causes an overbite?
First things first, what causes an overbite?
There are many factors that go into the creation of an overbite. More often than not, you can thank genetics for passing it down the family tree. If you or your significant other dealt with an overbite as children, the chances are high that your little one might as well.
We can’t do much about the genetic lottery, but there are some things that can contribute to it. If your child has a pacifier, keep a close eye. Prolonged pacifier use and thumb-sucking can change the shape of your child’s upper jaw. It is best to move on from the pacifier by the time they are age 3. These habits, though harmless when they are young, affect their growth patterns and influence bite alignment.
7 Warning Signs to Watch For
It’s not uncommon for an overbite to catch you off guard. After all, you know your child’s smile potentially better than your own. However, that means you likely won’t notice when something is wonky because you see their smile every day. Your child’s pediatric dentist will be watching for any signs as well in case they need to intervene early, so don’t stress. However, here are a few warning signs you can watch for at home.
1. The top teeth noticeably cover the lower teeth when smiling.
When your child smiles, pay attention to how their teeth meet. If the top teeth cover the lower teeth more than a little, you might be dealing with an overbite.
2. Difficulty biting into certain foods.
When your little one is eating their dinner, do they have to work extra hard to bite into something? If you notice they are having any issues biting or chewing certain foods, it’s another sign they might have an overbite.
3. Speech changes, such as lisping.
A child’s speech goes through many phases as they learn to talk, but if you notice that they lisp, this could be a sign that there is an overbite.
4. Mouth breathing or jaw discomfort.
If your child breathes through their mouth a lot, this could be more than just a pesky cold. Keep an eye on their breathing at night; this can be a sign that there is an overbite going on.
If your child starts to complain about jaw discomfort, this could be more than just them sleeping funny. This could be a sign that their overbite is making their teeth grind together while they sleep.
5. Uneven tooth wear or chipping.
This one can be a little harder to see, but look closely while you brush your child’s teeth. Do you notice any uneven tooth wear or chipped teeth? This can be another sign that your child is grinding their teeth due to an overbite.
6. Frequent lip biting or cheek irritation.
Kids get into accidents and bite their lips and cheeks; it happens! However, if your child is biting their lip or cheek more often than expected, this could be a sign that something is going on with their bite.
7. Jaw or facial imbalance as your child grows.
With severe malocclusion, it will change their appearance. If you start noticing that they have a jaw or facial imbalance as they get older, this could be a sign that they need to get an orthodontic evaluation sooner rather than later.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
So, when do you need to see a pediatric dentist for an overbite? It’s not uncommon for a child to have an orthodontic evaluation to see what is needed as they grow. If your child is dealing with one or more of the issues listed above, it doesn’t hurt to reach out to the team at We Make Kids Smile. These early evaluations can prevent more complex treatment later on, so it’s always better to check.
Treatment Options
The treatment for an overbite is as individual as the child themselves. Sometimes, all that is needed is monitoring while your child grows. Other times, treatment just involves some basic habit correction. Other times, orthodontic appliances, such as a palate spreader, are needed to help get their smiles on track. Sometimes this treatment needs to be done earlier, before their jaw and upper palate are done growing. This early care typically leads to simpler, faster correction for your little one.
Worried? Call us!
It never hurts to reach out if you have any questions about your child’s oral health. If you notice one or more of the issues above, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation. Remember, early intervention supports confident smiles and healthy development.
