Tooth gap: adopt a physiological teat for prevention

Often observed on the front teeth, between the lower and upper jaws, open bite, a type of malocclusion, is very common in children. While the causes can vary widely, prolonged pacifier use and frequent thumb sucking are among them. Fortunately, open bite can be prevented, notably by using a physiological Pacifier that respects the development of the palate and teeth.

CONTENTS : 

• Do you know what a gap tooth is?
• Thumbs and pacifiers, the No. 1 problem for babies' teeth
• Physiological Pacifier , your ally in preventing gaping teeth 
• What should you do if you notice a gap in your child's teeth?

Do you know what a gap tooth is?

A dental gap, also known as an underbite, is defined as theabsence of contact between certain teeth in the upper and lower arches of the jaw, creating a visible space of varying size. This anomaly can affect different areas of the mouth. It is referred to as : 

• anterior tooth gap on incisors and canines,
• posterior tooth gap on premolars and molars,
• lateral gap if only one side of the mouth is affected,
• total hollowness, when the two jaws don't fit together at all.

These various forms of malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth) lead many pre-adolescents and their parents to the dentist every year, who recommends that they make an appointment with an orthodontist, in particular to assess the benefits of partial or total braces.

How can you identify a gap in your child's teeth?

All it takes is a little observation to spot misplaced teeth and jaws. And since, as a parent, you spend an inordinate amount of time admiring your baby, all should go well.🥰

Look at your child when he eats, drinks and even talks, and you'll easily be able to identify a gap (however small) in his front teeth, especially his incisors. It's simple: it's reminiscent of the placement of the thumb in the mouth.

Visible to the naked eye, this dental anomaly can also be recognized by possible difficulties in eating properly (particularly in cutting food with the teeth) or certain speech problems (such as a hair on the tongue).

A straw that is systematically inserted in the same place between the teeth, a child who always chews on the same side or who breathes mainly through the mouth (due to a different placement of the tongue and jaws) are other signs that a slight discrepancy is developing, and that an appointment with a specialist is necessary.

The importance of a pediatric dental consultation to help you

Pediatric consultations are essential for monitoring your baby's growth, weight gain and development. As your baby grows, the doctor will be able to observe the emergence of the first teeth and their correct placement. If there's a gap between certain teeth, or a tooth alignment that needs attention, he'll let you know.

But you can take the first step! If you notice the first signs of a gap in your baby's teeth, or if you suspect that the thumb is going to prevent your baby's teeth from positioning themselves correctly, you should know that a first appointment with the dentist can take place when your baby is around two years old, for an initial assessment of your little one's future smile.

Genetics, habits and morphology: the reasons for a gap in the teeth

There are many reasons why your child may be affected by one type of gap or another. Most of them, but not all, have their origins in early childhood and lifestyle habits.

• Incorrect tongue placement when speaking or swallowing can pull the jaws apart and create a misalignment.

• Certain sucking habits: used too long or too often during the oral and dental growth phase, the pacifier, bottle and thumb can cause teeth to shift.

• Genetics can also come into play, as they determine the shape, size and positioning of teeth and jaws.

The consequences of an untreated dental gap

First of all, it's important to stress that a gap in the teeth is not a serious problem, but it is one that needs to be corrected. In the short to medium term, it can have repercussions on your child's health and dental hygiene. If it's very pronounced, it can also affect your child's self-image and relationships with others.

• Dentition:

  • premature wear of enamel due to friction..,

  • occlusion problems (poor mouth closure) and sometimes certain joint disorders, 

  • chewing difficulties.

• Dental aesthetics:

• a highly visible gap can damage self-confidence, especially in teenagers, who may even stop smiling to avoid showing their teeth.

• Functional :

• depending on the type of gap, an existing pronunciation defect may be accentuated,

• this malocclusion can also lead to more mouth breathing, to the detriment of nasal breathing (whereas the nose acts as a filter against allergens, certain pollens or microbes, potentially harmful to health).

• Dental hygiene:

  • a gap in the teeth can create areas that are more difficult to brush, and encourage the development of cavities,

  • in adulthood, there's an increased risk of developing periodontal pockets around misaligned teeth.

If you're a regular reader (thanks 🤍), your baby may not yet have any teeth, or may be using a teething ring to help them emerge. So you're wondering where these considerations of teenage malaise or dental difficulties are taking you. Quite simply, to the prevention of gap teeth from your baby's very first months .

Thumbs and pacifiers, the No. 1 problem for babies' teeth

As mentioned above, thumbs and Pacifier are among the main causes of gaping teeth in toddlers. By exerting regular pressure on the teeth, both affect their positioning, sometimes even before they appear. To avoid the problem, pediatricians and orthodontists recommend limiting thumb grasping and pacifier use from an early age.

But removing a baby's pacifier (and thumb even less so) is no simple matter. Its importance is measured by the number of times a baby wakes up at night to put the Pacifier back in place.

Choosing the right Pacifier to preserve your teeth 

The Pacifier is highly effective in soothing and comforting babies. But when it comes to choosing the most suitable model, several criteria come into play.

First, choose your baby's Pacifier according to age. From 0 to 6 months, from 6 to 18 months and for those over 18 months, the Pacifier comes in different sizes to suit all babies. While the collar must always be wide enough to avoid the risk of swallowing, the nipple varies.

It should also be introduced gently and at the right time. Wait at least 4 weeks after birth before offering it to your baby, to avoid any risk of confusion with the breast. Offer it first when baby is calm, and associate it with a ritual such as cuddling. This technique will help you to clearly delimit the moments of use.

From around 12 months to 2 years of age, you can start weaning Pacifier with complete peace of mind. Start by reducing its use to naps, falling asleep in the evening and bouts of tiredness, then take advantage of a transition or change in baby's life to wean him off the pacifier for good. The pacifier can then be replaced by another reassuring object, such as a cuddly toy. 

In this way, the Pacifier remains a pleasure and a useful childcare accessory to accompany toddlers' emotions and soothe their need to suck.

Physiological Pacifier , your ally in preventing gaping teeth

Also known as the Orthodontic Pacifier , the Physiological Pacifier is distinguished largely by its unique shape, in total harmony with children's mouths, but also offers other advantages.

• A shape adapted to babies' oral anatomy, with a rounded side that respects the palate and a flattened side that rests on the tongue. 

• Reduced risk of dental malocclusion thanks to a design that helps prevent tooth positioning problems such as overbite, and promotes natural suction without excessive pressure.

• In addition to its ability to prevent gaping teeth, the Physiological Pacifier can also contribute to the healthy oral development of children. By providing natural suction and promoting appropriate oral and lingual posture, it can help strengthen jaw muscles and encourage breathing through the nose.

• Safe, hygienic materials, such as medical silicone, guarantee healthy, safe use for your baby and make the Pacifier easy to clean.

• Easier to stop than a thumb, the physiological Pacifier can eventually be replaced by other means of comfort, such as a comforter or a soothing ritual.

What should you do if you notice a gap in your child's teeth?

Although your baby's dental gap is primarily a cosmetic concern, when he or she grows up he or she may want to correct it. So don't wait until the discomfort becomes too great.

If you have any doubts about the correct positioning of your little one's teeth (or any other dental problem), visit your pediatrician for babies, or your dentist or orthodontist for older children. There, you'll find out whether the defect is minor and easy to correct, or whether orthodontics and braces will be necessary once the permanent teeth have grown in. Functional re-education may also be considered if the anomaly is due to poor tongue positioning.

In adults, in the most severe cases of overbite and severe misalignment of the teeth, orthodontic treatment may involve oral surgery to modify both the size and position of the jaws.

All the more reason to think ahead and switch to physiological Pacifier today!