What Every General and Pediatric Dentist should be Screening on every 2-5-Year-Old Patient
I. Introduction to Pediatric Dental Screening
A. Overview of previous discussions
B. Importance of screening children ages 2-5
C. Focus on orthodontics, airway, and pediatric dental health
D. Mention of resources and tools available from StraightSmile Solutions
1. My Phase One Smile Form
2. Sleep Disorder Breathing Screening Form
3. Access to documents for clients and through giveaways
II. Why Pediatric Dental Screening is Essential
A. Early detection of oral development issues
1. Improper growth of the jaw
2. Narrowing of the dental arch
3. Potential airway and breathing issues
B. Common factors affecting oral development in young children
1. Habits like thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and bottle-feeding
2. Soft diet and its effect on jaw growth
3. Nasal congestion and its impact on breathing and jaw development
C. Importance of airway evaluation in young children
1. Sleep-disordered breathing conditions
2. Identifiable signs of airway issues (e.g., steep mandibular plane, open bites)
III. Key Signs of Airway and Orthodontic Issues in Young Children
A. Malocclusion as an indicator of airway problems
1. High-angle mandibular planes
2. Constricted maxilla and vaulted palate
B. Identifying airway issues in 2-year-olds
1. Correlation between malocclusions and airway problems
2. Early intervention to prevent further development issues
C. Addressing potential causes of airway issues
1. Tongue tie (tethered tongue)
2. Impact of tongue function on maxilla and nasal development
3. Connection between restricted airway and improper growth patterns
IV. Importance of Tongue Evaluation and Treatment
A. Personal experience with tongue tie and its effects
1. Discovery of severe tongue tie during OMT evaluation
2. Connection between tongue tie, orthodontics, and symptoms (e.g., jaw pain, sleep)
B. Impact of tongue tie release and potential benefits for adults
1. Anticipated improvements in airway, sleep, and jaw alignment
C. Why addressing tongue ties early in children is crucial
1. Influence on airway development and jaw growth
2. Consequences of untreated tongue ties on overall health
V. The Broader Impact of Airway and Orthodontic Issues
A. Bedwetting and its surprising connection to airway issues
1. Observations in patients after using palatal expanders
2. Personal family experience with bedwetting resolved by orthodontic treatment
B. Importance of early intervention for long-term health
1. Connection between airway, brain development, and overall well-being
2. Emphasizing the life-changing effects of proper screening and treatment
VI. The Role of Dental Practices in Pediatric Screening
A. The dentist’s responsibility to screen children for airway and orthodontic issues
1. Aligning with ADA’s Sleep Disorder Breathing Bill (2017)
2. Standard of care in pediatric dentistry
B. Consequences of neglecting screening
1. Potential future litigation for missed diagnoses
2. Frustration with missed opportunities for early intervention
C. Educating patients and referring when necessary
1. Importance of consumer education
2. Increasing awareness among parents about pediatric orthodontic health
VII. Conclusion
A. Call to action for dental practitioners
1. Importance of starting screening at age two
2. Benefits for both the patient and practice
B. Encouragement to seek support and resources
1. Contact Dr. Amanda for further assistance