How to Deal with Your Child’s Class II, Division 2 Bite

Class II, Division 2 Malocclusion occurs when your child’s upper anterior teeth are tilted back toward his or her mouth, causing the lower jaw to be pushed back in a retruded positon. While many patients suffer from Class II, Division 2 Malocclusion, these cases are easily treatable! Once your child’s smile has been classified as Class II, Division 2 Malocclusion, treatment is considered if the “overjet,” or the amount of space the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth, is greater than 6mm. Once the overjet is determined, the goal is then to correct the Class II position to a Class I position, which is the state of an ideal smile.

A large percentage of patients with Class II, Division 2 Malocclusion suffer from resulting medical conditions, including TMJ and breathing disorders. This type of malocclusion also increases your child’s risk of trauma to his or her upper incisors, especially if his or her lips do not sufficiently protect his or her smile. Correcting malocclusion is necessary for both aesthetic and medical reasons. Not only will your child be able to speak, breathe, and eat easier, but his or her facial profile will be greatly enhanced, including a better nose proportion, fuller lips, and a broader smile.

Prior to treating Class II, Division 2 Malocclusion, the dental arches must be the appropriate size and shape. Once the dental arches are accurately developed, the upper anterior teeth will be adjusted to their ideal positions. This adjustment of the upper anterior teeth increases the “overjet,” because the lower jaw is still in a retruded position. Then, the lower jaw is corrected by pulling it forward. This adjustment to the lower jaw can be done surgically or by using a simple mouth appliance. Once the jaw positioning is fixed, your child’s smile can then be straightened through conventional orthodontics.

Parents, as you consider treating your child’s Class II Division 2 Bite, here are some questions you may be asking and some input that may help:

• Should I wait or treat this now? Although early Class II, Division 2 Malocclusion treatment is typically more costly, it can result in a 40% less chance of trauma to your child’s upper incisors. Early treatments can also increase both the attractiveness of the facial profile and overall self-esteem.
• How much of an impact will a functional appliance have on my child’s development? Functional appliances are extremely effective when correcting Class II incisal relationships, they can have a significant impact on your child’s health by correcting breathing issues, and they can alter facial feature development, but they won’t alter actual skeletal patterns to a meaningful degree. They won’t change what’s been pre-determined by your child’s genetics
• Finally – if you’re wondering whether to get your child a fixed appliance or a removable appliance? There is much better patient cooperation with a fixed appliance, however there is no difference in the treatment results between fixed appliances and removable appliances. They both work. So consider your child when making this decision.

If you still have questions, please feel free to leave us a comment below…and if you’re considering this, make an appointment and talk to a local dental professional who is experienced in all aspects of treating this.

Can Breastfeeding Your Child Affect His or Her Dental Health?

The answer is yes! Not only does breastfeeding help your baby’s fragile body fight disease and lower health risks, but it also has a significant impact on his or her oral health and development.

According to a June 2015 study conducted by Pediatrics, babies who exclusively breastfed for at least six months were actually 72% less likely to suffer from crooked teeth, including open bites, crossbites and overbites, in comparison with babies who breastfed for less than six months or not at all.

Breastfeeding is beneficial in shaping the hard palate, a bony plate on the roof of our mouths that separates the oral and nasal cavities. The tongue motions involved in breastfeeding set a pattern for correct, normal swallowing habits, as well as mandibular development and a strengthening of jaw muscles. In a study conducted by Brian Palmer, DDS, children who were breastfed experienced proper development of a well-rounded “dental arch.” This U-shaped alignment of the teeth usually helps prevent snoring, sleep apnea and a need for speech therapy or braces later in life.

In addition to the reduced chances of malocclusion, breastfeeding can save your child’s smile from Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. As you may have seen from one of our previous articles, Baby Bottle Tooth Decay stems from repeated, everyday exposure of your baby’s teeth to liquids containing sugar. For example, if a baby is put to bed with a bottle of formula, milk or fruit juice, his or her teeth come in contact with these sugary liquids until morning. However, breastfeeding eliminates the possibility of a bottle lingering in the baby’s mouth once he or she has fallen asleep, therefore avoiding prolonged exposure to these sugary liquids (please note breast milk contains sugar, as well).

Be sure to wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a clean piece of gauze or a damp cloth after feedings, especially before bed time. If you are concerned about breastfeeding once your baby has developed his or her first tooth, don’t be alarmed – an actively nursing baby will not bite, because his or her tongue covers the lower teeth while feeding.

Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Teeth – For a Lifetime of Smiles

The weather is getting warmer and that can only mean one thing – summer is coming! Kids love to indulge in ice cream, popsicles, candy and other delicious sweets, but this calls for a serious look at our children’s oral health. Here are a few tips for parents and caregivers to help you keep your children’s oral health in check not only during the summer months ahead but throughout the year.

Encourage them to eat nutritiously: When your child reaches for a sugary snack or soda, suggest healthy foods such as carrot sticks, yogurt, peanut butter or string cheese instead. Yes, tasty, sugary sweets are acceptable in moderation (it’s all a part of being a kid!), but it’s also important to educate our children on what foods will help them develop strong, cavity-free teeth.

Establish routine oral hygiene habits at a young age: As a rule of thumb, kids should brush their teeth at least twice daily. Children as young as two or three can begin using toothpaste when brushing, as long as they are supervised. A pea-sized amount for toddlers is just enough. When they can tie their shoes on their own, then they are ready to brush their teeth without adult supervision.

Visit the dentist twice a year: It’s important for kids to begin seeing the dentist regularly by the time their first tooth appears. These initial visits will allow your child to get acquainted with the dentist and help them get comfortable about going every six months.

Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride: If your child is less than seven years old, they should use fluoride toothpaste. If you live in an area where fluoride is not added to the water, talk to your dentist about the best way to protect your child’s teeth.

Mind these simple tips to ensure your child is on their way to achieving a smile that will last a lifetime!

Kids and Flouride: Getting Too Much or Not Enough?

Despite the controversy surrounding this f-word, fluoride in drinking water has proven safe and effective at preventing tooth decay in study after study. In fact, most sources of water naturally contain this mineral known as “nature’s cavity-fighter.” Water and beverages made with water provide the majority of the fluoride we receive. The increased fluoride in the body helps to produce strong teeth—teeth that are still waiting under the gums of young children. The remainder of our fluoride comes from applications such as toothpaste and mouthwash. These expose the teeth directly to fluoride to strengthen the enamel.

But how do you know if your kids are getting enough? Can they have too much? As a general rule, if your child is brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water, then they are probably getting enough. Children exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride may be at risk for a harmless discoloration of enamel known as dental fluorosis. So how can a parent be sure?

1. Know your water. About three-fourths of people in the US have access to fluoridated drinking water, and you can get specifics about the concentration in your drinking water from the CDC here. If your child is drinking bottled water, they may be missing out on the benefits of fluoride. If your child is exclusively drinking infant formula mixed with tap water, they may be at higher risk for fluorosis. If your water comes from a private well, it likely has some naturally occurring fluoride, and the EPA recommends having it tested every three years to find out just how much.

2. Supervise brushing. The ADA recommends brushing your child’s teeth until age 6, or until you are confident with their ability to do a good job. One reason for this is that smaller kids may swallow toothpaste, which usually contains fluoride. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is ideal, only after the child is able to spit it out, usually around age 2.

3. Use other fluoride products judiciously. If your water is fluoridated and your child brushes with fluoride toothpaste, your child should be getting enough to prevent cavities. The ADA recommends the use of other fluoride products—tablets, drops, rinses, gels or other supplements—only in cases where the risk of tooth decay is very high. Consult your child’s dentist before adding these to your child’s routine.

Caring for the little ones in your life is hard work, and the last thing a parent needs is another worry to add to the list. With these three steps, you can be confident that your child is getting the right amount of fluoride for strong, healthy teeth.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Do you think baby teeth are temporary and therefore not important? Think again. Children need strong, healthy teeth for chewing, speaking and smiling. Baby teeth also serve as placeholders for adult teeth and ensure they come in correctly.

Tooth decay in infants and young children is often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. One of the most common causes of tooth decay in children is frequent and long-term exposure to artificially sweetened liquids, as well as those with natural sugars. These liquids include, but are not limited to, milk, formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on this sugar and produce acids that attack the teeth. If baby teeth don’t develop properly, your baby may develop poor eating habits, speech problems and adult teeth may grow in crooked.

How Can I Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

The good news is a few simple steps can help prevent your child from getting baby bottle tooth decay. It begins with implementing good oral hygiene at an early age.

• After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gum with a clean gauze pad or washcloth.
• Massage gums in areas without teeth.
• When your child’s first tooth comes in, begin brushing his or her teeth. Do this without toothpaste or use toothpaste that is fluoride-free. Fluoride can be dangerous if swallowed, sometimes resulting in dental fluorosis. This condition can cause discoloration or pitting on the teeth. Whenever children are old enough to learn to spit out toothpaste, usually about the age of 2 or 3, fluoride toothpaste is safe to use.
• Fluoride does help prevent cavities, so get fluoride in other ways. If your local water supply does not contain fluoride, ask your dentist about a supplement.
• Once all baby teeth have come in, begin flossing.
• DO NOT fill bottles with sugar water, soft drinks or juice. Babies under 6 months should not drink juice at all. Even juices diluted with water are a way to interest your child in sugary drinks. Bottles should only be used for formula, milk or breastmilk.
• Never let your child fall asleep with a bottle containing anything but water. It’s best for them to finish their bottle before bedtime and naptime.
• Never give your child a pacifier dipped in anything sweet. Never give honey to a baby under 12 months of age for any reason.
• Reduce the sugar in your child’s diet, especially in between meals.
• Children should be weaned off a bottle by the time they can drink from a cup, usually by their first birthday. The bottle should not be taken away too soon, however, because the sucking motion aids in the development of facial muscles and the tongue.

It’s never too late to break a bad habit, either. If your child drinks sugary liquid from the bottle, try diluting the contents with water over 2 to 3 weeks. Once that period is over, fill the bottle with water whenever possible and begin following the safety tips above.

If baby bottle tooth decay is left untreated, your child may experience pain and develop an infection. Severely decayed teeth may need to be removed. When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your doctors about scheduling a dental visit. The key to a lifetime of good dental health is starting early! Healthy baby teeth are vital for healthy adult teeth.

Sensitive Teeth and Children

The summer months offer lots of cool treats for kids (and adults!) to snack on – ice cream, popsicles, and other frozen goodies often make the list of our favorite summer treats. Cold temperatures, however, can be quite harsh on teeth, causing uncomfortable sensitivity that makes it hard to enjoy these treats. Knowing what makes your child’s teeth hurt and why they might be experiencing sensitivity can help you appropriately address the issue.

Along with being sensitive to cold treats, teeth can also be sensitive to hot foods and beverages. The pain caused by hot and cold sensitivity could be fleeting, or it could be a lingering pain caused by an underlying cause. Brief discomfort is usually not a cause for concern. New teeth, whether they are primary or permanent, are often sensitive when they first come in. The sensitivity typically subsides once the teeth have had time to adapt to the environment. However, if your child continues to have pain each time he or she bites into something hot or cold, it could mean one of the following:

Cavities

Also known as dental caries, cavities are small holes in the tooth’s surface that are caused by decay. Sometimes cavities go unnoticed, but other times they can be quite uncomfortable, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures or the pressure of chewing. Ask your child if their discomfort occurs in one area. If so, it is highly likely that a cavity is the source of their sensitive teeth.

A Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can expose the nerves in the inside of the tooth, which can be quite painful and cause a lot of sensitivity. If your child grinds or clenches their teeth, or has a misaligned bite, tiny fractures can occur. While this is a less obvious break in the tooth, fractures can also cause sensitivity.

Fillings

Some fillings can cause sensitivity to hot and cold, especially silver amalgam fillings which contain metals that have a high thermal conductivity.

Enamel Damage

Damage to the tooth’s enamel, or surfaces, can cause the tooth to be sensitive. This damage can be caused by improper brushing or foods and drinks that are highly acidic. Help your child reduce their risk of damaging the enamel of their teeth by teaching them proper brushing techniques at a young age, as well as reducing the amount of acidic foods and beverages they consume.

Other causes of sensitive teeth include sinus issues, allergy issues, and braces. If your child is experiencing continued tooth sensitivity, ask your dentist about possible causes and remedies at your child’s next appointment. Special toothpastes can be purchased to help reduce sensitivity, as well as toothbrushes with softer bristles that are less harsh on tooth enamel. If you believe the cause might be more serious, such as a cavity, a broken tooth or an issue with a filling, schedule an appointment for your child to see the dentist as soon as possible.

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