Cavities and crooked teeth aren’t the only dental problems that kids might have. Other problems might not come to light unless you visit a dentist. One such problem is a high-arched palate. It sounds rare, but it isn’t. It can have a varied impact on a child’s development, and thus, you must visit us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio for a dental examination.
This blog is for you if you want to know everything about a high-arched palate, how it impacts your kid’s life, symptoms and signs to look out for, and high-arched palate treatment options.
Read on!
What Is a High-Arched Palate?
The palate is the roof of the mouth that divides the oral and nasal cavities. Touch the roof of your mouth, and you will feel the flatness. In some kids, it isn’t this simple.
A palate is referred to as high-arched when the roof is unusually high and narrow. Instead of creating a dome, it creates a U-shaped structure in the mouth. It is also called a high-vaulted or narrow palate.
This distinct shape affects oral functions like speech, breathing, and swallowing. If left untreated, it can influence facial development and cause dental crowding.
How Common Is a High-Arched Palate in Kids Today?
Roughly 8% of the kid population suffers from a high-arched palate. However, it is more prevalent than previously thought. It is popular among kids who:
- Have chronic mouth breathing
- Suffer from allergies or enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Were born prematurely or experienced complications during birth
- Use pacifiers or bottles excessively beyond infancy
Do not worry because early intervention can help treat it.
Causes and Risk Factors
Multiple factors contribute to the development of a high-arched palate, some of which are:
- Genetics play a crucial part. If you have a family history of craniofacial abnormalities, book an appointment at the earliest.
- Mouth breathing in infants leads to a high-arched palate, caused by nasal blockages or allergies.
- Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Pacifier Use
- Premature Birth
- Neurological Disorders or Syndromes (e.g., Marfan, Down syndrome)
- Cleft Palate Repair or other surgical interventions in infancy
Based on the diagnosis, we create a tailored treatment plan for your kid.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of a high-arched palate aren’t obvious in most children. Here are some signs you can keep an eye on:
- Difficulty nursing or feeding as an infant
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Speech delays or unclear speech
- Nasal-sounding voice
- Snoring or sleep disturbances
- Crowded teeth or bite issues
- Recurrent ear infections
- Facial asymmetry
Consult with us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio if your kid has any of these symptoms.
Diagnosing a High-Arched Palate
The problem can be diagnosed during a routine dental consultation.
The expert will conduct a visual and tactile examination to confirm. In more complex cases, X-rays and 3D dental scans are used to evaluate the structure of the jaw and sinus passages.
High-Arched Palate Treatment Options
Treatment options vary as per the severity and the child’s age. Some common treatment options include:
Orthodontic Expanders: These custom-made devices fit inside the mouth and widen the palate. They are more effective in younger kids whose bones are soft and still developing.
Myofunctional Therapy: It includes multiple exercises to improve oral posture, muscle tone, and function
Speech Therapy: The therapy is effective when speech is affected by the high-vaulted palate.
Surgical Intervention: It is rare but required when a narrow palate is tied to other serious health issues.
Breathing Therapy or ENT Consultation: An ENT doctor will address the nasal obstruction, ensuring that the airway is clear.
It might require working with a dentist, an orthodontist, ENT practitioners, and a speech professional to treat the high-arched palate.
Long-Term Outlook and Development
Long-term complications of a high-arched palate can be avoided by addressing the problem early. Timely management can help improve the following:
- Breathing and airway function
- Facial symmetry
- Speech development
- Dental alignment
- Sleep quality
It is a serious problem among kids that can have a long-term impact if left untreated. Issues like sleep apnea, jaw misalignment, and social challenges can have a lasting effect on the kid’s life.
Visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio for prompt treatment.
When to Consult a Specialist?
Consult us right away if you notice the following:
- Persistent mouth breathing
- Trouble with feeding or speech
- A visibly high palate in the mouth
- Snoring or disrupted sleep
- Crowded teeth in young children
Conclusion
A high-arched palate often goes unnoticed, but it has serious complications. Thus, look out for the signs discussed above.
If you’re concerned about the shape of your child’s palate or notice related symptoms, don’t wait. Opt for a proactive approach and consult Peace of Mind Dental Studio. It is crucial for your child’s growth and development.
Book an appointment now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Que: What causes a high arched palate in kids?
Ans: Genetics, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, etc., are some of the common causes of a high arched palate in kids.
Que: Is a high palate in the mouth always a problem?
Ans: No. In less severe cases, it often goes unnoticed, but it impacts breathing, speech, and dental development, making treatment necessary.
Que: How is a high-arched palate diagnosed in kids?
Ans: It is often diagnosed during a routine dental examination.
Que: What are the treatment options for a high-arched palate?
Ans: Treatment options include orthodontic expanders, speech therapy, myofunctional therapy, surgery, etc.
Que: Can a high-arched palate correct itself over time?
Ans: No, in most cases, the palate doesn’t correct itself over time.