Dental Evaluation Necessary for a Child Playing a WIND or STRING INSTRUMENT

Photo  by Zdenko Zivkovic 

One particular orthodontist from New York is advising parents to first check with a dentist whether their child should or shouldn't start playing a wind instrument. This dentist explains that a number of dental problems are a result of the instruments that one plays. Not much thought is really given to the kind of musical instruments kids play, the orthodontist explained in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Eventually, the children will discover that the instrument does not really fit them dentally or temperamentally. Many would wind up as handicapped musicians playing only on a mediocre level. Certain dental problems are caused by wind instruments, and so every good dentist must keep would be musicians, teachers, and parents about these things.

A child and his parents must seek out the dentist's advice before making the decision that is sure to cost time, money, and effort. A lot of dentists agree that many cases involving body tissue illnesses are because of the playing of single reed instruments by wind musicians. This is because you place much of the instrument's weight on your lower lip which gets its support from your teeth. Continuous pressure on the teeth prevents a constant flow of blood from entering into the affected bone area.

He said the strong muscles of the jaws also unintentionally increase the outward pressure against some upper teeth which can harm the current proper teeth alignment. The playing of brass instruments also causes the lips to press against the lower and upper teeth. He said extended periods of playing these instruments have caused some mobility or unnecessary movement of the teeth. Those with irregular or sharp front teeth may experience pain on their lips when they play the oboe while those with short upper lips would have a difficult time playing the flute.

There is also a possibility of acquiring dental problems through the playing of string instruments. He said previous studies have shown that continuous violin playing causes much pressure on the jaw, especially the part which holds the violin against the shoulder, and this may lead to a faulty bite in some people. Dental problems may be avoided if the would-be musician would have an oral examination, especially of his tongue and lips. Your handicap as a would-be musician would be solved through the proper recommendation of your dentist given early to ensure dental suitability and oral health.

The best way to avoid any major problems later on in life is to get checkups early on. This is truer when it comes to playing music with wind instruments. Whatever the activity, as long as your mouth and teeth are involved, go see your dentist.

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