It will be noticed that the teeth of the upper jaw stick out and are not covered by the lip as they should be. In these cases the roof of the mouth, that is, the palate, is narrow and highly arched, and the two jaws do not come together as they do in normal persons. This condition is called "malocclusion." Usually, too, the teeth of the upper jaw are irregular and crowded. (See pictures, p. 6.)
The malformation of the teeth thus produced by adenoids may lead in turn to other serious conditions, among them the chronic disease known as pyorrhea, various forms of root infection, and chronic indigestion.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE CONDITION.
The presence of adenoids should be suspected if the child habitually sleeps with open mouth, snores a great deal, or has frequent strangling coughing spells. Sleeping with open mouth is one of the first signs and should therefore lead at once to a careful examination by a physician. Sometimes difficulty in hearing is one of the early symptoms. Therefore, in all cases of ear trouble an examination should be made for adenoids.
WHAT TO DO.
Whenever adenoids are large enough to give rise to any of the symptoms already described, they should be removed. This is especially the case in children under 10 years of age, for it is probable that the condition will grow worse. The operation is a simple one and not dangerous. It should be performed under anesthesia. Relief is immediate and the health and strength of the child usually improves rapidly afterwards. It is wrong to delay having the operation done, for the presence of adenoids not only endangers the child's health, but a few months' delay may cause considerable malformation of the jaws, palate, nose, and face.
Study the above photographs of the same patient before and after treatment for adenoids. They show what can be done by proper treatment.