By
Kerrie McLoughlin
485
words
Please contact me at mommykerrie@yahoo.com if you'd like to see this piece in full to consider purchasing it for your parenting magazine, either online or in print!
Please contact me at mommykerrie@yahoo.com if you'd like to see this piece in full to consider purchasing it for your parenting magazine, either online or in print!
Just when you think you have everything down as a
parent, you find out it’s time to take your child to his first orthodontist
visit. Most orthodontists say it’s best to see children by age 7 to
advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient
to be treated. Basically, the earlier any orthodontic treatment is started, the
easier it will be to correct problems in the long run.
There
are many different reasons for kids to need orthodontic care, including
overbite, underbite, crowded teeth or overlapping teeth. Some of these problems
could be caused by things like thumb sucking, accidents or tooth decay or can
even be inherited. Benefits of having straight teeth include: easier
maintenance, which can prevent cavities; preventing wear on the surfaces of
teeth; too much stress on supportive teeth bones and gum tissue; and problems
with jaw joints which can lead to headaches.
Your
child’s first trip to the orthodontist (who has 2-3 years more education than
your family dentist) is nothing to be feared.
Sidebar: Foods to avoid when you have braces
Optional
Sidebar includes Helpful
Web Sites
Kerrie McLoughlin, a mom
raising 5 kids, has already taken 3 of them to the orthodontist and is thankful
for dental insurance!
