Tooth Tips for Later Life

4 Reasons Your Child May Develop Crooked Teeth

Your child's first set of teeth don't just help them to speak and eat; they also act as a placeholder for the adult teeth which will follow in a few years time. If the baby teeth are crooked, this could lead to the adult teeth becoming crooked also. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, your child may require braces to correct the issue. Below is a guide to 3 possible reasons why your child's teeth have become crooked.

Genetics

Sometimes, crooked teeth may be a result of genetics. If you or the child's other parent had misaligned teeth as a kid, you might pass this on to your own offspring. If you know that there is a history of crooked teeth in your family, you pay particular attention to the development of your own child's teeth. If you spot any signs that they are becoming crooked, you should take them to see the dentist immediately. However, even if you don't have a history of crooked teeth in your family, your child may just get unlucky and inherit a small jaw from one parent and oversized teeth from another which can lead the development of dental issues.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding occurs when your child's mouth his too small for the teeth which are erupting through the gum line. As the overcrowded teeth press against each other, they can become misaligned. Baby teeth should have a small space between each other, as this allows space for the adult teeth to follow without becoming crooked. If you notice that your child's teeth do not have a space between them, this is a sign that overcrowding could occur when the adult teeth arrive, and you should take your child to see a dentist.

Thumb-Sucking

While it is very common for children to suck their thumb, it isn't very good for their dental health. When a child sucks their thumb, they place pressure on their upper front teeth. Over time, this pressure can cause the teeth to shift forward. If your child is in the habit of sucking their thumb, you should discourage them from doing it.

Pacifiers

While pacifiers can be super useful when you need to quieten down a screaming child, they should be used with caution. Prolonged use of a pacifier can have a similar effect to thumb-sucking and can result in the front teeth being misaligned. You should wean your child off their pacifier as soon as possible to prevent dental problems.

If you would like further advice, you should take your child to see a paediatric dentist.


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