Regular dental exams and cleanings for children should be a routine part of health care. Beside checking for cavities and gum health, it is also extremely important to monitor the eruption pattern of children's teeth. Severe malalignment of the jaw and teeth can be treated effectively when caught early on in life. Leaving the eruption pattern uncontrolled can negatively affect the development of the facial profile of the young patient, and will create problems with the bite and joint health.

Bite problem and joint issues do not manifest until later on in life when tooth wear/fracture, and joint pain are noticed. In many instances early orthodontic treatments could have saved the patient's teeth in order to ensure a life time of functional stability for the dentition.

........................................................................................

Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.