Oral health is an important aspect of health for everyone, regardless of their age. This is why it’s important to ensure that you set your child on the right path by taking them to an orthodontist as soon as it becomes clear that they need to see one. This may not always be easy to tell, so read on to see four times when it’s a good idea to take your child to see an orthodontist.

1. Your Child’s Teeth Are Crowding

One of the first signs your child needs to see an orthodontist is if their teeth appear to be crowding in their mouth. Teeth crowding is when your child’s teeth are too close together or push toward one another. This can sometimes happen when your child’s jaw is too small. Keep in mind that around 25% to 50% of children are in need of orthodontics, so it’s important that they visit an orthodontist’s office by the age of seven to make sure their teeth are coming in correctly. An orthodontist can prescribe the right braces for your child to help them get their teeth in order, which can prevent dental pain and other issues later down the road.

2. Your Child Is in Pain When They Chew

About 3.9 million kids in the U.S. are orthodontic patients. Like other kids, your child may experience dental pain when they chew food. If they don’t have any cavities when they go to the dentist’s office, their dental pain may be orthodontic-related. Consider taking your child to the orthodontist’s office to check for teeth crowding, jaw alignment problems, and more.

3. Your Child Snores

If you can hear your child snoring, this may point to an issue with the state of their oral health. It may be a result of their teeth being in misalignment, making it hard for your child to breathe well through their nose at night. A misaligned jaw or teeth be straightened with the help of orthodontic treatment such as braces.

4. Your Child Has an Irregular Bite

Finally, if your child’s bite is irregular, this may be a sign for you to take them to see an orthodontist. Whether it’s an underbite or an overbite, the sooner you seek help the better. Jaw misalignment issues can cause dental pain, difficulty chewing, and sleep disorders later in life. Sometimes, jaw alignment issues may be caused by long-term thumbsucking, which is why it’s important to make sure your child no longer sucks their thumb after the age of two.

If your child has any of these signs, then it’s important for you to head to a professional as soon as possible. Seek a second or even third opinion if you’re not satisfied with the suggestions that a specific orthodontist shares with you, and act fast once you find a solution from an expert.