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Posted in News -

Did you know that your child’s jaw growth and oral habits can shape their breathing, sleep, and overall health for life? Carramar parent Dr Garrie and Duncraig parent Dr Natasha are passionate about early dental assessments and intervention, having witnessed the benefits first hand at their dental clinic and they’ve put together an informative guide for our ELC and Primary parents…

Why Early Intervention Matters

When a child’s mouth function or jaw development goes off track, it can lead to mouth breathing, snoring, and eventually conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). These airway issues often go undiagnosed, even though they may cause symptoms such as:

  • Restless or poor-quality sleep
  • Low energy or difficulty concentrating
  • Behaviour and learning problems
  • Teeth grinding, bedwetting, anxiety or depression
  • Speech delays or poor language development
  • Headaches and long-term risk of chronic health issues

These symptoms are often treated individually—without addressing the root cause: an underdeveloped jaw, poor bite, or dysfunctional oral habits.

What Is Early Dental Intervention Treatment?

Early treatment typically starts between ages 7–11, while your child still has some baby teeth, this kind of early care can often prevent more complex treatment later in the teenage years. At this age, the teeth and jaws are more adaptable, making it the perfect time to:

  • Correct bite problems (crossbite, underbite, open bite)
  • Address crowding or spacing
  • Reduce protrusion of front teeth
  • Guide proper jaw development
  • Create space for adult teeth
  • Break bad habits like thumb-sucking

Signs Your Child May Need an Early Dental Assessment

The following could be early warning signs that your child’s teeth or jaws aren’t developing as they should. Consider a check-up if you’ve noticed any of the following in your child:

  • Early loss of baby teeth (before age 5)
  • Delayed or unusual tooth eruption
  • Teeth not meeting properly when biting
  • Mouth breathing or snoring
  • Crowded or protruding front teeth (around age 7–8)
  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • Jaw shifting or popping when opening/closing
  • Thumb or finger sucking past age 5

Helping the mouth work well and guiding the jaws to grow properly during childhood can lead to better breathing, healthier sleep, and fewer long-term health issues.

As part of our connection with St Stephen’s School, Diamond Smiles Dental is pleased to offer Gap free dental consultations for all students. Let us help you identify any concerns early—and create a path to a confident, healthy smile for life.

Call us on (08)9405 2225 or book online via www.diamondsmilesdental.com.au

 

Posted in News