Some children have misaligned teeth due to genetic factors, and certain habits during their early years will exacerbate the issue or introduce new problems. While the dentist can correct many cosmetic conditions, knowing what causes crooked teeth will help aid their prevention. Here are a few bad habits to keep on your radar.

The Most Common Causes of Crooked Teeth

1. Tooth Grinding 

Many children have bruxism, which is the medical name for the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth when sleeping or stressed. This condition puts undue stress on teeth, causing cracks, chips, and jaw misalignment.

To prevent these issues, their dentist may recommend a nighttime mouthguard to alleviate the direct pressure. You can also check in with your kids to be aware of their emotional state and help them manage stress.

2. Thumb-Sucking

Your little ones should break this habit between 2- to 4-years old, as the motion from continued sucking and pacifier usage will cause tooth misalignment. The top front teeth will be pushed out, and the bottom row pushed in.

The misalignment can also change the shape of the jaw, leading to speech problems and irritation on the mouth’s roof. To stop this habit, give your little one gentle reminders daily or offer them incentives.

3. Chewing Hard Objects 

Biting on hard items, like ice, fingernails, and pencils, puts excessive stress on the teeth, forcing misalignment. To help their teeth grow straight, give your little ones reminders whenever you see them gnawing on pencils and pen caps. You can also use chilled glasses to avoid putting ice in their beverages.

Take your kids to their regular dental appointments to ensure their smiles are developing correctly. If they’re overdue for an appointment, turn to Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, and her team in Kaneohe, HI. These professionals will conduct comprehensive exams and take X-rays to determine your children’s smile alignment. They’ll make suggestions on how to prevent potential issues and perform cleanings to give your kids a fresh start. To schedule a dentist appointment, send a message online or call (808) 235-2121.