Do You Know What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Crooked teeth are common among children. However, if neglected, these can lead to some serious oral issues over the years. Did you know what causes crooked teeth? From seemingly innocent habits such as thumb sucking to complex underlying reasons such as incorrect jaw development, crooked teeth can be caused due to various reasons. Let’s take a look at these reasons:

Common Causes of Crooked Teeth

1. Bad Oral Habits – Majority of children have bad oral habits such as thumb sucking, excessive use of a pacifier, reverse swallowing or tongue thrusting. Such habits often seem harmless, but in the long-term can cause severe damage to the alignment of teeth and even lead to dental problems. For instance, such habits directly affect the alignment of the teeth because of excessive pressure and eventually lead to crooked teeth. Braces are often suggested in such cases which are supposed to be followed by retainers ideally, to retain the corrected alignment of the teeth.

2. Illness or injury – A jaw or a mouth injury can result in displacement of the teeth. Also, if there is a tooth loss or the jaw is shifted due to any illness or injury, the remaining teeth slowly shift to fill in the open space over time.

3. Genetics – This is among the most common causes leading to crooked teeth. Parents are often responsible for passing on the dental markers which cause crooked teeth. In some cases a small-sized mouth has greater chances of crowded teeth. Also, misaligned jaws can lead to bad bites which may result in upper or lower teeth extending beyond each other.

4. Incorrect Tongue Posture – In normal circumstances, the tongue is seen up against the palate. The tip of the tongue should be pressed upwards to the palate. This helps to activate all the muscles that connect to the base of the skull, the jaw, the spine and the throat. A forward and low tongue posture indicates that the tongue is not being pressed up against the palate correctly. Look for the following signs which are indicative of incorrect tongue posture:

• Narrow or V-shaped palate
• Thrusting tongue while speaking
• Lisp or speech impediment
• Tongue-tie

5. Incorrect Skeletal, Jaw and Teeth Development – A wide palate is crucial to a child’s healthy teeth and jaw development. The growth of upper palate or the jaw is the key factor which directs the growth of the skull, jaw and vertebral bones.

The upper jaw or the maxilla comprises the upper teeth, the hard palate and the lower border of the orbit. It is the center of facial growth and its development is directed by both tongue posture and nasal breathing. V-shaped palate, lack of cheek bones, droopy or uneven eyes, crooked upper teeth, sunken nose etc., are all signs of an underdeveloped maxilla.

The mandible or lower jaw bone houses the tongue and connects to the skull via the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ. Retruded chin, rounded jawline, lack of forward growth in lower and upper jaws and a side profile with jawline that swings down and backwards into the airway are all signs of an underdeveloped mandible.

Hence incorrect skeletal, jaw and tooth development often result in crooked teeth.

6. Nasal Airway Obstruction – Proper development of the jaw and teeth depends majorly on nasal breathing. Normal breathing provides the appropriate forces essential for expansion of the maxilla and the upper jaw. Hence, if the child is suffering from nasal airway obstruction or chronic blocked sinus, he or she eventually starts breathing through the mouth. Nasal blockages and a chronic blocked sinus can be caused due to several reasons such as:

• Deviated septum
• Chronic upper airway infections
• Allergies
• Sinus infections
• Enlarged nasal turbinates
• Swollen tonsils and adenoids
• Tongue falling into the airway during sleep

Orthodontic Treatments for Crooked Teeth

Various orthodontic treatment options are available today to rectify crooked teeth. Orthodontists carry out a complete examination and discuss the possible treatment plans best suited for your requirements. Depending on how the severity of the situation, treatments could range from simple retainers or braces to complex oral surgeries.

Crooked teeth can be corrected at any age with the help of orthodontic treatments. However, early intervention and treatment gives the best results. If you or your child is dealing with crooked teeth, it’s best to visit an orthodontist at the earliest.