Dental malformations often result from poor habits. Many children habitually bite their lower lip, causing the upper front teeth to tilt outward and creating gaps between teeth. The lower front teeth near the tongue may become crooked and crowded, leading to an underbite—commonly known as a "bucktooth" appearance.
Dental and jaw deformities refer to abnormalities in teeth, jawbones, and craniofacial structures that develop during a child's growth due to various factors. Examples include misaligned teeth, individual tooth displacement, abnormal bite alignment between upper and lower dental arches, and irregular dental arch morphology.
In recent years, the incidence of dental and jaw malformations has risen sharply. Studies indicate that poor habits in childhood often contribute to these issues. So what specific habits lead to dental deformities in children?
1.Poor tongue-thrusting habits: Many children habitually stick their tongues out during daily activities. This habit can cause front teeth to tilt toward the lips and create gaps between teeth. 2. Mouth-breathing habits: This habit may lead to protruding upper teeth or crowded teeth. It can also cause an open-lip, exposed-teeth appearance, thickened and enlarged gums, and gum bleeding.
3. Thumb-sucking habit. Many children develop this habit, often overlooked by parents. It can cause open bite malocclusion, narrow dental arches, high palate, protruding upper front teeth, open lips and exposed teeth, and distal malocclusion. This habit not only harms teeth but may also cause finger deformities.
4. Lip-biting habit: Many children habitually bite their lower lip, causing the upper front teeth to tilt forward and creating gaps between teeth. The lower front teeth may tilt backward, leading to crowding. Biting the upper lip can cause the lower jaw to protrude, resulting in an underbite.
5. Some children develop the habit of biting objects, which can create small open bites in specific areas of the dental arch.