Causes of jaw malpositions
There are congenital jaw malpositions that are not caused by external factors. In particular, the size of the jaw halves and their position in the temporomandibular joint are determined from birth and can lead to various jaw malpositions. However, such malfunctions of the dentition occur much more frequently due to misbehavior in childhood.
Meanwhile, some risk factors are known, which contribute decisively to the development of a jaw malposition. In addition, there are many other factors that favor the development of a tooth and/or jaw malposition.
- Experts believe that feeding an infant bottle-fed is a major risk factor, because the shape of most bottle teats bears no relation to the child’s jaw.
Regular and/or prolonged sucking on these baby bottles favors the development of jaw deformations.
- The use of a soother can also be harmful to the child’s teeth. Children should refrain from using the soother before the age of 3 years, otherwise there is a risk of developing an open bite in the anterior region. In addition, due to the unphysiological shape of the pacifier, tooth malpositions often occur.
- In children who suffer an accident at a young age that leads to tooth loss or have a severe caries attack, tooth and/or jaw malpositions occur with an increased probability.
- In addition, mouth breathing, as it frequently occurs in asthmatics, for example, is said to favour the deformation of the dentition.This is due to the fact that when breathing through the mouth, the tongue is increasingly pressed against the front teeth.
As a result, the upper incisors are shifted forward, while the lower front teeth are simultaneously pushed backward. A too deep bite is often the result.
If the child wears the pacifier too long, i.e. beyond the prescribed maximum age, it can lead to jaw malpositions, such as the open bite. When is the best time to stop using the soother is recommended by the dentist.
Not only the jaw but also the position of the teeth is massively influenced. It has an effect similar to the thumb sucking of children. In most cases, the malposition of teeth and jaw must be treated by orthodontic treatment to compensate for the defects. It is therefore important to wean the child from the pacifier in time.
