"Say Cheese!"
By Dr. Stewart I. Perim, D.D.S., M.S. of Peninsula Periodontics & Orthodontics

What could be more beautiful to you as a parent than your child’s smile? An early orthodontic screening assures that your child’s smile will be healthy and look its best. Just as your child’s first visit to the dentist should occur by age two, the best time for a first visit to the orthodontist is by age seven. It’s as easy as saying “cheese!”

You can evaluate your child’s teeth and make a preliminary assessment of potential bite or alignment problems.

Early orthodontic treatment, if indicated, can help minimize the need for more extensive treatment at a later date, such as extraction of permanent teeth. Early treatment may also help your child’s self-esteem – a fragile asset that’s so important in growing up.

Seven warning signs in 7-year-olds

1. Do the upper teeth protrude?
Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth – “buck teeth” – is by far the most common orthodontic problem.

2. Is there a deep bite?
The upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much.

3. Is there an underbite?
The upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth.

4. Is there an open bite?
The child can stick his or her tongue between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together.

5. Is there too little or too much room for the teeth?
Crowded or overlapped teeth, or noticeably large gaps between teeth.

6. Do the front teeth line up?
The spaces between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth should line up with each other and both should line up with the bridge of the nose.

7. Is there a crossbite?
The upper back teeth fit inside, rather than outside of the lowers.

Seek treatment earlier than age seven if your child has:

* difficulty chewing.
* open-mouth breathing.
* thumb or finger sucking..
* overlapping or crowding of erupting permanent teeth.
* jaws that click or pop.
* biting of the cheek or into the roof of the mouth.
* speech problems.
* grinding or wearing down of teeth.
* obvious abnormal bite development of any kind.

MAGGIE’S MEMO:
Drs. Perim and Periz-Mera of PENINSULA PERIODONTICS AND ORTHODONTICS are members of the American Association of Orthodontists and Board Certified members of the American Academy of Periodontology. They have specialty training in orthodontics (children and adults), periodontics, dental implants, and TMJ therapy. Dr. Perim has also been awarded Board Certified Diplomate status by the National Board of Orthodontics U.S. He is also a Diplomate in both the Board of Orthodontists and the Board of Periodontists. The dual specialty offered by PENINSULA PERIODONTICS AND ORTHODONTICS brings complete and comprehensive care to their patients. Call 410-742-8686 for an appointment at their South Salisbury Blvd. office.

MAGGIE SAYS:
The Maggie staff has met some very happy patients of PENINSULA PERIODONTICS AND ORTHODONTICS. They praised the gentleness of their care and especially the fabulous results! Call PENINSULA PERIODONTICS AND ORTHODONTICS to set up a free screening for you or your children and create a beautiful smile for life!