Orthodontic Foundations: A Mother’s Guide for Toddlers Ages 2–6
A Mothers’ Orthodontic Seminar for Toddlers ages 2-6
Pre-natal care and mothers’ health lifestyle is critical (alcohol, tobacco, drug use)
Hopefully an uncomplicated full term natural birth
If premature or Cesarean expect some issues
Infant should be breathing through their nose
Breast feeding for at least six months to develop immunity and oral musculature
Problems with latching and feeding need to be addressed
Babies should not seep with parents
Stick to a disciplined consistent routine
Research bottle feeding nipples pacifiers and sippy cups
Baby bottle mouth leads to rampant decay of teeth
Watch for early signs of mouth breathing, audible breathing and restless sleep
Make sure sleep requirements are met
Look for ways to build their immune system
Repeated ear infections are a sign of altered facial development
Improper swallowing is an indication of tongue tethering
Snoring is an indication of a breathing problem
Tonsil and adenoid inflammation and infection alter proper breathing and sleep
Children need to chew to develop facial muscles
Cognitive development and normal behavior depend on sleep
Bed wetting is a sign of fragmented sleep
Oral hygiene is key to health
Sugar and junk food between meals ruin health even sport drinks high in sugar (Gatorade)
Orthodontic problems can be identified as early as age 3, but usually treatment is not recommended until the permanent upper central incisor begin to erupt at age 61/2 -7
It is sometimes necessary to remove interfering primary teeth to allow the permanent teeth to erupt into proper position. This is called serial extraction before braces or expanders are necessary. It is important that all four upper and lower incisors erupt normally
The most common orthodontic problem is that the upper jaw is too narrow and the tongue does not position and posture itself in the palate with the tip behind the upper incisors. Getting the upper jaw the proper width and length is the first prerequisite in orthodontic treatment to eliminate crowding and airway restriction.
Facial development is altered if there is any breathing, speech, tongue or chewing dysfunction
Parents are capable of being excellent myofunctional therapist in facial development
Children must be mature enough and motivated to cooperate with any type of appliance therapy or it will be a waste of time and money. No one knows their children better than their mother.
A healthy child is a happy child full of energy and curiosity
Be sure you are comfortable, confident and understand any advice from any source.
John B. Harrison DDS, MSc
