09/09/2026
Things I would NEVER do to my child’s teeth as an orthodontist 🦷👶🏻
1. Let a pacifier habit go on indefinitely.
Pacifiers can be completely normal and helpful for babies, but prolonged use—especially as a child gets older—can contribute to changes in how the upper and lower teeth come together and how the jaws develop. I’m much more concerned about a persistent habit as the child gets older than I am about a baby using a pacifier.
2. Ignore chronic mouth breathing.
Mouth breathing isn’t something I’d simply brush off as a “bad habit.” If a child consistently breathes through their mouth, I want to understand why- Nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, or other airway issues can all play a role. It doesn’t automatically mean a child needs orthodontic treatment—but persistent mouth breathing deserves a conversation with their pediatrician and orthodontist!
3. Wait until all the adult teeth come in before seeing an orthodontist.
This is probably the biggest misconception I hear from parents. You don’t necessarily need to start treatment early, but an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 can identify certain bite and jaw-development issues while a child is still growing. Sometimes the best treatment is simply to watch and wait. Other times, timing matters at an early age BEFORE adult teeth come in. Orthodontists are the only doctors focused on the growth and development of your child’s head and neck / teeth and jaw. It’s important to establish care with one by age 7! And No, you don’t need a referral to see an Orthodontist!
As a mom AND an orthodontist, I don’t believe every child needs early orthodontic treatment. I believe every child deserves to be evaluated at the right time so we don’t miss an opportunity to make treatment simpler—or avoid a bigger problem later.
Save this for your child’s next dental visit and send it to a parent who needs to hear it. 🤍
Book a free consultation with me KIND SMILES , link in bio 💛
