For years, Florissant parents have been warned that thumb-sucking can cause future dental issues for their thumb-loving toddlers.
One of these issues is a type of malocclusion called an open bite.
What is an open bite?
An open bite occurs when the front teeth in the lower and upper jaw have been moved forward; often to the extent that they do not meet when the mouth is closed.
In most cases, an open bite is linked to thumb sucking, but pacifiers and tongue thrusting can also move teeth out of alignment.
What is tongue thrusting?
Tongue thrusting refers to an abnormal swallowing action. The tongue is pushed forward during swallowing. Normally, the tongue is on the roof of the mouth and the teeth closed totally when swallowing.
What can cause tongue thrusting?
A tongue-thrusting habit can arise due to conditions other than thumb sucking, though this is a common cause. Allergies, large tonsils, tongue size, jaw angle, muscular problems, frequent sore throats, and anything that makes swallowing difficult can result in tongue-thrusting practices.
Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS in Florissant
At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we diagnose bite issues in young Florissant dental patients such as underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites.
If dental treatment is started early in a child’s life, many bite issues and their associated problems can be prevented.
Call Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS at 205-933-0323 to schedule a dental examination for your toddler.
If you do not have dental plan insurance, speak with us about financing options.
Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS offers comprehensive dental care in the greater St. Louis area. Because our friendly staff puts our young patients at ease, your child can grow up without fearing visits to their Florissant family dentist.
Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:
205-933-0323
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033
