Our 32 permanent adult teeth have many jobs including chewing, assisting with speaking, helping to form our facial structure and sharing smiles with friends, but sometimes these multipurpose tools can feel the squeeze of being crowded in the mouth. Teeth overcrowding each other is the result of a dental malady known as malocclusion. Malocclusion is the general term for teeth that move out of perfect alignment, which is logically known as occlusion. 

Causes for malocclusion

Genetic disposition

Blame mom and dad! The truth is, a child’s genetics are not just about what color hair they get, the shape of their eyes and nose, or their height. The genetic disposition of the person also determines the size of the dental arches in the upper and lower teeth. If the dental arch is too small, the space for permanent teeth to grow into will be limited and the teeth will be crowded.

Early tooth decay

When parents provide infants with milk formula, juices — even with water mixture — or allow small toddlers too much sweet stuff and soda they can develop early tooth decay. It may seem OK, because the second set of teeth will replace them, but the truth is that if the baby teeth are lost to early tooth decay, the remaining teeth shift in the mouth and will hinder how the permanent teeth grow in. Baby teeth serve the purpose of being space savers for the permanent teeth. If they are not where they should be, the permanent teeth erupt in a crowded and overlapping pattern in the mouth.

Mouth breathing

The way we breathe when we sleep makes a difference in the development of our mouths. Normal breathing (inhaling and exhaling) can occur through both the nose and mouth but nose breathing is better.  When a young child is a mouth breather, and the mouth remains open, the tongue is not able to rest in a proper position. This causes muscles in the jaw and face to be restricted in growth which results in a narrower jaw and an underdeveloped facial structure.

Abnormal lip and palate development

This is known as a cleft lip, a split or opening in the lip or roof of the mouth. Teeth overcrowding can result from this developmental childhood malady, even though the condition itself can be repaired.

Fix the malocclusion now

Crowded teeth have many causes but it is important to remember that crowded teeth signify that perfect occlusion has not been achieved. Such misalignment can hinder proper brushing, flossing, speaking and even chewing which can hinder overall body health. 

So…

Request a dental appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu dental office.

Recent Posts

A Dental Implant Is A Dental Appliance To Replace Missing Teeth

Having missing teeth can make life difficult for a variety of reasons but with the help of a dental implant, life can become much easier. This dental appliance has become a popular choice for replacing teeth that are missing. A missing tooth is unappealing to look at and can make chewing difficult, as food may not…

A Guide To Preventing Cavities

Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent cavities and help keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you are not sure what you need to do to prevent cavities, these tips should improve your oral hygiene and help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a…

Why Saliva Is Important For Dental Health

Saliva and its importance is probably the least pressing issue in most people’s life. They probably do not even give it much thought. But, saliva plays a very important role in the mouth. Keep reading to find out why saliva is good for dental health.Saliva is a liquid found in the mouth comprised of water,…

How Do I Know If I Have Bad Breath?

Having bad breath is no laughing matter. It can lead to severe problems with your personal and professional life. Just think about it. What do you do when you run into someone who has foul-smelling breath? You probably made the conversation as short as possible and escaped the first opportunity you had.There are many stigmas…


Dr. David Matto

Share
Published by
Dr. David Matto

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You a Smile Makeover

Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists…

17 hours ago

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers

Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin…

1 week ago

Natural Toothache Remedies

Many people use this method first as a way to treat toothache.

1 week ago

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding to Reshape Teeth

Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This…

2 weeks ago

Foods You Should Avoid With Dental Implants

Missing teeth can significantly affect how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, dental…

3 weeks ago

Enhancing Your Smile With a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter…

3 weeks ago