Jaw development in babies

How your child’s jaw and teeth develop can affect their oral health and physical appearance.

The jaw holds the teeth and gives shape to the face, so proper development is crucial. Ideally, the teeth should be aligned so they don’t require major orthodontic procedures.

To find out whether your child’s jaw and face are developing normally, book an appointment with your dentist in Peace River, AB for an oral examination.

The proper tongue posture and developing jaw

Surrounding muscles, such as the tongue, play a role in jaw development. They apply forces, which affect jaw alignment. The resting posture of the mouth says a lot about jaw and facial development.

How the tongue and mouth should look and feel when at rest:

• The tongue should be resting on the roof of the mouth
• Lips are closed, and teeth are slightly apart.
• You're breathing through the nose.

This position is called the ‘big three’ in facial development. If your child seems to always say breathe through their mouth, that may be a sign of an underdeveloped jaw.

An underdeveloped jaw can be due to certain habits, such as tongue thrusting, thumb-sucking, extended pacifier use, and improper rest posture. It can be corrected with early intervention and guidance.

If the tongue is in a bad position, it can put pressure on the teeth and cause them to shift. For instance, if the tongue rests on the bottom instead of the roof of the mouth, your child may experience pain in their jaw and neck area.

You’re probably thinking about how these structures are connected to the jaw. Here's a simple exercise. If you move your tongue up and down inside your mouth, you’ll also feel your jaw, chin, and neck moving.

Any irregularity in the mouth can impact surrounding structures. In the case of the jaw, abnormalities in tissues and muscles surrounding it can also affect its health.

Effects of poor oral posture

Monitoring your child's developing mouth, airways, and surrounding facial structures involves examining their oral rest posture and breathing. This includes checking the position of their tongue at rest.

As small and tender as the tongue seems, it can apply a powerful force against the teeth, jaw, and face. Pushing the back of the teeth can result in an imbalance in facial structures.

If you notice your child breathing through the mouth, don't ignore it. Talk to your dentist as this can have a significant impact on their oral health and overall wellness.

If the jaws and airways aren't aligned and functioning well, your child's sleep, breathing, and physical appearance may all be affected.

How your dentist can help ensure proper jaw development in babies

Your dentist can identify potential jaw problems and recommend a treatment plan to address them as early as possible.

They can guide you so your child can minimize and, soon, eliminate harmful habits such as finger sucking. They can examine structures in the mouth, such as the tonsil and tongue, that can affect the airways and your child’s oral health.

Using a custom oral appliance can train your child’s tongue to rest at a proper position and promote nose breathing.

Monitoring your child's jaw development at the dental office

Proper jaw development in babies helps ensure a lifetime of good oral health, and your dental team can assist you throughout the process.

If you feel there are irregularities in your child's teeth, jaw, and facial structures, contact us today at

At Wing Dental in Peace River, AB, we work with you to identify potential issues in your child’s mouth and address them immediately. Together, let’s protect your child’s smile.