Crooked Teeth in Babies: 5 Situations Lead to Crooked Teeth

When parents notice crooked teeth in babies, they worry, although this situation is common in the first years of life.

If dental crowding is observed after two years of age, it is indicated to consult a pediatric dentist to assess whether it is a temporary situation or requires therapeutic action. To know more about this topic, read this comprehensive guide regarding dental crowding.

This article shares relevant information to prevent crooked teeth in babies and identify when it is necessary to consult a pediatric dentist.

Milk Teeth and Their Function

Beyond facilitating food consumption in the first years of life, primary teeth maintain the space required by permanent teeth, facilitating normal dental development.

When the changeover of milk teeth for permanent ones begins, crowding can occur because, at that time, the gums are small. A dentist will determine if there is too little space or if it is a temporary situation. In some cases, control consultations are carried out periodically for assessment.

Causes of Crooked Teeth in Babies

Different situations can cause misaligned or crooked teeth.

1. A dentist will note the difference in the size of the child’s teeth, about the jaws. Three different circumstances can occur:

• Teeth of normal size with small jaws.

• Jaws normal, with large teeth.

• Large teeth and a small jaw.

2. Dental crowding can also derive from genetic factors, that is, familial inheritance passed from one generation to the next.

3. The early loss of teeth causes misalignment since the remaining attached teeth tend to move to close the space, generating an erratic dental position.

4. Another situation is the ectopic eruption of the teeth, that is when the teeth come out in a different position than expected.

5. On the other hand, some habits can be the cause of dental misalignment. Placing objects against the teeth, between the jaws, or in contact with the palate can affect bone growth or change the position of the teeth. The most frequent habits are:

• Sucking the fingers.

• Placing the tongue between the jaws.

• Pushing the teeth with the tongue.

• Breathing through the mouth.

Crooked teeth make dental hygiene difficult and facilitate tooth decay and gum infections. In addition, a bad position of the upper front teeth can cause speech problems.

In addition, this condition affects food intake, causing pressure on the jaw joints and wear of the teeth while possibly promoting breathing through the mouth.

How to Prevent Crooked Teeth in Babies?

It is possible to adopt certain practices to prevent dental crowding in babies and children:

1. Avoid the use of pacifiers and the bottle.

2. Avoid excess sugar in meals.

3. Avoid using a pacifier or sucking the thumb over the age of two.

4. Avoid biting on foreign objects or placing them in the mouth for long periods.

If the child breathes through their mouth, a doctor should be consulted, as this may be the result of very large tonsils or allergic rhinitis, among other causes.

The child should schedule periodic dental consultations from the age of two on, and more frequent check-ups after the age of 7, at which time the incisor teeth emerge.

What is the Treatment for Crooked Teeth in Babies?

The first resort is to take a panoramic radiograph to establish the position of the teeth that have not yet erupted.

According to the dentist’s assessment, it may be necessary to make a spatial analysis, based on plaster models of the mouth, to measure the size of the teeth and make a projection about the future.

If there is severe crowding or problems with the growth of the jaw, orthopedic appliances can stimulate growth, eradicate a bad habit, or prevent the displacement of contiguous teeth that form a gap due to dental loss.

In many cases, it is recommended to use therapeutic devices when all the permanent teeth are in place.

Prevention is the Key

Dental misalignment or crooked teeth are not an alarm signal in all cases. This is a frequent situation during the growth stage. After the age of two, it is important to adopt preventive practices to prevent children’s teeth from moving into erratic positions. If you notice any anomaly in the position of the child’s teeth, it is advisable to consult a pediatric dentist to evaluate the situation and provide guidance.