Malocclusion and Orthodontics
What Increases Your Risk
Factors that increase the risk of developing malocclusion include:
- A family history of malocclusion. Jaw and tooth size are inherited traits that can cause too much or too little room for the teeth.
- Oral habits, such as thumb-sucking and possibly mouth breathing.
- Tooth loss, due to trauma or tooth decay. After a tooth is knocked out or removed (extracted), the bordering teeth drift out of place. Major causes of childhood tooth loss include:
- Playing sports without a mouth guard.
- Using poor dental hygiene.
- Stumbling or falling accidents.
- Sucking on a baby bottle during sleep. The sugars in juice, milk, and formula can cause tooth decay.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: April 4, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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