4 Things You Can Do to Help Your Little One Avoid Braces

Braces can be expensive, but you can help your child avoid braces through these best practices! Working with your child’s orthodontist in Franklin, TN, and following the recommendations below, you can help your child have healthy straight teeth that don’t require braces.

1. Stop Pacifier Use When It’s Recommended

Prolonged use of a pacifier can affect your child’s bite, leading to a need for braces later. Pacifiers have been shown to reduce instances of SIDS, so the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the use of pacifiers starting from about one month old. Experts recommend stopping use of a pacifier by the time the baby is about 2 or 3 years old, to avoid problems with your child’s bite.

2. Stop Thumb Sucking Before Permanent Teeth Come In

Thumb sucking, just like use of a pacifier, can lead to problems with your child’s bite. Experts disagree on when it’s best to stop thumb sucking, although it may depend partially on how often and how hard your child sucks their thumb.

Many say that you should stop your child from sucking their thumb by the time their permanent teeth come in, while some experts say that your child should stop thumb sucking by the time they’re three years old.

3. Don’t Leave Loose Baby Teeth In For Too Long

Loose baby teeth that stay in too long can lead permanent teeth coming in to grow sideways. If your child’s tooth is so loose that it’s barely hanging there, it’s time to take the tooth out. Avoid taking the tooth out early, as this can cause bleeding or discomfort.

4. Take Your Child to the Orthodontist for Early Treatment

Children can be evaluated by an orthodontist as early as 7 years old. To find out if your child needs braces in Franklin, TN, contact Cool Springs Orthodontics today.