Oral and dental health in childhood not only affects the appearance and nutrition of the child, but also plays an important role in the correct development of the jaw, speech, breathing and even self-confidence. Unfortunately, many parents do not pay enough attention to the condition of the child's teeth until serious problems arise. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Contrary to what some parents think, milk teeth are very important because: - They play a role in nutrition and speech.... - They determine the growth path of permanent teeth.... - Damage to them can also damage the buds of permanent teeth.. **Causes of baby tooth decay** - High consumption of sugar and sticky foods - Non-observance of oral and dental hygiene - A child who sleeps with a bottle in his mouth - Decreased saliva due to medication or mouth breathing **Prevention:** - Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste - Reduce sugar consumption - Regular visits to the dentist from the age of one year onwards - Use of fluoride therapy and fissure sealant ** Teeth grinding (braxism) in children** Grinding teeth in children, especially during sleep, is a relatively common phenomenon that, if severe and continuous, can cause teeth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. **Possible causes:** - Anxiety or stress (even in children) - Sleep disorders - Inconsistency of jaw and teeth - Neurological or developmental problems **Continuation of the article" Click on the given link to know the reasons for the small lower jaw + its treatment methods.** **Method of treatment:** - In mild cases, no special treatment is needed - In severe cases, night care or psychological treatments are recommended **Jaw abnormalities (malocclusion)** Malocclusion or "misalignment of teeth and jaws" can cause ugly appearance, speech and chewing problems... These abnormalities usually develop from a young age and, if not treated, require jaw surgery in adolescence.... Common types of jaw abnormalities: - Upper jaw being forward (overjet) - Back of lower jaw (**underbite**) - Crossbite (abnormal interference of upper and lower teeth) Open bite (the space between the upper and lower teeth is open when the mouth is closed) **Reasons:** - Finger or pacifier sucking after 3 years old - Chronic mouth breathing - Genetics - Incorrect oral habits **Treatment:** - Early orthodontic intervention at the ages of 7 to 10 years - Using jaw orthopedic devices to guide jaw growth - In more severe cases, fixed orthodontics in adolescence **Hidden or extra teeth** In some children, a permanent tooth gets stuck under the gum (**implanted tooth**) or they have more teeth than normal (supernumerary or supernumerary teeth).... **Consequences:** - Creating irregularities in the dental arch - Pressure on the roots of adjacent teeth - The need for oral surgery in the future **Treatment:** It usually requires an OPG photo and an examination of the position of the teeth. In case of early diagnosis, surgery or expensive treatments can be avoided with orthodontics. Late or early teeth eruption. Sometimes children erupt later or earlier than usual, or permanent teeth erupt early. This situation can cause confusion in the dental order. - Impact on baby teeth - Systemic diseases or thyroid disorders **Importance:** If the tooth does not come for a long time or the baby tooth does not fall out, the permanent tooth may remain hidden or grow at an inappropriate angle.. It is necessary to check the condition of the teeth by radiography and a pediatric dental specialist.. Children are at risk of trauma to their teeth due to playing, falling or active sports.. This damage can include breaking or completely losing the tooth... **Urgent Action:** - If a permanent tooth falls out, put it in milk or saliva and see a dentist immediately... - Fallen milk teeth should not be placed in their place.... **Prevention:** - Use of dental protection in sports - Preventing the child from climbing to dangerous heights **Read more" What are the most important causes of gingivitis?** **Speech and speech problems caused by jaw and teeth disorders** Inconsistency in the growth of the jaw or improper arrangement of the teeth can cause problems in pronouncing letters, stuttering, and problems in speech. **Common causes:** - Upper front teeth - Shortness of the tongue node (frenom) Congenital malformations of the jaw **Treatment:** - Orthodontic treatments - Speech therapy - In some cases, minor tongue surgery or frenum correction **tips to prevent dental problems in children** 1... Brushing should start from the age of the first tooth (with sterile gauze and then a soft toothbrush). speech or chewing should be observed, consult a specialist as soon as possible... #### **conclusion** A child's teeth and jaw in the early years of life are the foundation of oral and dental health throughout life. Timely diagnosis and treatment of dental and jaw problems can prevent many physical, psychological and financial complications in the future. Parents can guarantee a healthy smile for their child by paying attention to the child's behavior, regular visits to the dentist and following hygiene principles.