5 Childhood Habits That Can Cause Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth do not happen by chance; it typically results from incorrect jaw development. Certain habits cause restrictions that limit the space available for erupting teeth, which prevents them from growing into their natural position. If parents can address these habits early enough in their children, they will probably have less dental issues as they grow up. Here are some childhood habits that can lead to crooked teeth.

1. Forward tongue posture

The tip and back of the tongue should press upwards towards the palate to activate all the muscles that connect to the spine, throat, the skull base and the jaw. The best time to check your child’s tongue posture is when they are watching TV. If you can see it poking out, then they have adopted a forward tongue posture.

2. Breathing through the mouth

Normal breathing helps to provide the forces that expand the upper jaw and the maxilla. Anything that causes nasal obstruction like sinuses can force your child to breathe through the mouth. Therefore, the upper jaw may fail to develop like it should, resulting in crooked teeth.

3. Thumb sucking

It is a habit that children can either begin in the womb or later when they have to soothe their gums. While it may be beneficial before the teeth erupt, the harm sets in with time. Thumb sucking is not only bad for their socializing, as it can significantly impact your child’s teeth alignment. The consistent pressure applied to the less stable dentin, enamel, and bone can cause crooked teeth.

4. Teeth grinding

Some children cope with their stressors by grinding their teeth while they sleep, which wears down the enamel, and the gums end up receding. Continuous grinding can result in the teeth shifting and the bite changing as well.

5. Sleeping on the stomach

The force applied to the jaws and teeth throughout the night when a child sleeps on their stomach is intense. Over time, the teeth and jaws may shift, causing crooked teeth.

The best time to correct crooked teeth is when a child is still young, before the jaw structures develop fully. Are your curious if your child can benefit from braces? Do you live in the Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Inlet Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, Panama City, or surrounding area? Contact us today at Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics and book an orthodontic appointment at our office in Inlet Beach or Destin!