Allergic to straight teeth? By Tara Gostovich, D.M.D. As many of you know, allergy season for ragweed sufferers is upon us.For many allergy sufferers, allergy"season" can last most of the year.With pollen being the major offender in the spring, grasses in the summer and ragweed in the fall,many patients only get a break from their suffering for just a short period of time. Young children with chronic nasal allergies and congestion tend to breathe through their mouths most of the time.Because children's bones and teeth are still developing, this propensity for chronic mouth breathing can cause the upper jaw to become constricted and the teeth to erupt at an improper angle. Patients who have chronic nasal allergies in combination with a narrow upper jaw can often benefit from early orthodontic intervention.By widening the upper jaw, and thereby the floor of the nose, the orthodontist is not only able to establish a good arch form for the developing dentition, but can also aide the allergist in establishing proper ventilation and drainage of the sinuses. Consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation for young children with chronic nasal allergies.With an evaluation as early as age 7,problems can often be intercepted, thereby lessening their long-term effects. In addition, a multi-specialty approach (between allergist and orthodontist) to treating these children may just give them the relief they've been looking for. Dr. Tara Gostovich is a board-certified orthodontic specialist for children and adults. Her practice is located at 14 Route 520, Suite D, Marlboro. Call the office at (732) 617-1211 to schedule a complimentary initial exam and consultation.