Unkown If 3Yr Old Has a Problem or Just a Cute Habit

The image you describe is just adorable! You probably need to do something to get his muscles working in balance so he doesn't grow up with something that could cause pain and other problems when he is older. Some problems like this can result in wearing down teeth, chronic headaches, and even hearing loss. Best to look into it while he is young, but make sure you get this on video first!

I am trained in a variety of therapies, including muscle re-activation and kinesiology (the study of muscle movement and inter-muscular relationships). To state this simply, MDs are not trained to adequately diagnose functional muscular disorders. Dentists and orthodontists may suggest traction methods to forcefully align the teeth or balance the bite. Traction therapies, such as braces, are rarely, if ever, done on baby teeth. If the bite is imbalanced, you would more likely notice this when he chews, not when he talks. If it is a bite imbalance, a dentist might simply grind a tooth down so that the bite is more comfortable.

In my experience, I would not assume this was a dental problem and would not subject a child to unnecessary sedatives for dental procedures until I had reason to believe it is a dental problem. This sounds to me more like an issue of the TMJ (jaw joint), the muscles used to control that joint, and the muscles used for speech. I would consult a licensed practitioner that better understands muscle function and balance, as well as how to easily manipulate joint relationships. I would seek a doctor of chiropractic, an osteopathic doctor, a cranio-sacral therapist, or someone trained in neuro-cranial restructuring. Since most of these types of practitioners do not specialize as pediatric practitioners, do ask around and/or search the web for those who work best with children. You may find a pediatric DO. I've known many a happy parent who decided to try the methods that were least uncomfortable, least risky, and usually least expensive first. If it doesn't work, you can always try the methods that are more uncomfortable and invasive. In your son's circumstance, these more natural options are not only more comfortable and less challenging for your son, they are also far more likely to be truly effective. If you live in the St. Louis area, I would be happy to refer you to some excellent practitioners.

I would just call a pediatric dentist and ask :) Sounds cute, though!

If you notice this then it is not as cute as you are saying t is and it is bothering you-so Mom go find out what is happening with his mouth. It really won't be cute when e hits school and everyone (kids, teachers, parents of kids) all are talking about it. This could be more harmful than you can imagine! I would not guess what it is but let me say something is wrong-now go find out what and where it is and do he right thing before he has major problems. Take care of the rest of you too-it could be a very simple issue where you can practice at home to get it right. Ask him what "hurts" or what is he doing that movement for? e may tell you without thinking there is anything to worry about. Good luck.

I would definitely bring it up to the dentist when you go in. It might not be anything. We had something similar and noticed it only when he smiled that our sons mouth moved to left. He had a cross-bite and has been wearing an appliance in the roof of his mouth for about a year and a half now to correct it.

I'm not sure about the issue that you are facing, but my oldest is 7 & he likes to stick his jaw out. I'm not sure why, but he as done it for years. Anyway an orthodontist can see him, but they can't do anything until a lot of his baby teeth are gone. I'm not sure what they could do for a jaw issue. We just remind our son to put his jaw back in, but he is old enough to understand that he needs to keep it in.
Hopefully your dentist or even his dr. can give you some suggestions.

God bless!

Hello H.,

What I would do is print out Kathy L's response and show your child's doctor. Then go from there. Kathy really sounded like she knows what she's talking about!!

Good luck!! ls

I come from a very long line of thumb suckers, including my 2 boys (one who is the same age as yours and speaking in sentences now, sooo much fun!) and none of us do that. It sounds cute though! If it isn't causing him problems like pain, trouble chewing or talking, I would wait and causually mention it at the dentist.

I have a friend who's 7 year old was talking sort of like this, her jaw deviating to one side. Her mom thought she was just being very expressive. She has a history of headaches, though, so I suggested she take her in to a chiropractor. Turned out her jaw was off somehow, so he adjusted her.

Could also be a TMJ issue. I'd go to a chiropractor before an MD.

Or, it could be that he is imatating someone, and has no problem at all.