What Causes Crooked Teeth?

5 Reasons That Some People Have Crooked Teeth

A crooked tooth can add an endearing quality to your look or throw your whole mouth out of alignment. Crooked teeth occur for many reasons, some of which could require a relatively simple fix. Some situations are more complicated and require months of treatment to have your smile where you want it to be. Genetics can play a part in misaligned teeth. Some of the other reasons to visit an Orlando orthodontist for crooked teeth can include: 

1.Thumb Sucking

The soothing act of thumb sucking has been a blessing and a curse since dentists realized this could be causing crooked teeth in children. At what point do you use other methods to calm your child, rather than letting them suck their thumb? Many dentists believe that calming your child by prompting them to suck their thumb or use a pacifier and/or feeding them with a bottle after they turn 3 years old can be a contributing factor in their misaligned teeth. 

2.Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is similar to thumb sucking in the damage it can do to the roof of the child's mouth and jaw. Tongue thrusting can cause issues later in life due to misaligned teeth, bite problems, and even changing the shape of a person's face. Speech deficits can occur when teeth do not line up as they need to, which can result in difficulties speaking due to tongue placement.

3.Missing Teeth

Missing teeth at whatever age is often a reason for crooked teeth. The existing teeth will eventually grow towards the space left by a missing tooth or teeth, and the movement can result in the teeth becoming misaligned. Traumatic loss of teeth or broken teeth need to be repaired as quickly as possible to help ensure that the natural teeth will stay where they belong. 

4.Malnutrition

Misaligned teeth are common among people in the homeless community due to poor nutrition. Even if you are not homeless, it is possible to be malnourished and not realize it if your diet does not consist of the necessary foods needed to supply vitamins and minerals to keep your body, including your teeth, healthy. Your Orlando orthodontist might ask you about your diet as part of your exam if it seems like malnutrition plays a part in the problems you have with your teeth.

5.Gum Disease

Crooked teeth in elderly people are often the result of many years of gum disease. Unhealthy gums can cause teeth to become loose and move around in your mouth when they are not supported by firm, healthy gums. Teeth becoming out of alignment can be one of the symptoms of gum disease if you do not have routine dental checkups. 

Contact our office today at Baptiste Orthodontics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baptiste or Dr. Morris. Our Orlando orthodontists are experts at dealing with many issues related to misaligned teeth in hopes of giving you a healthy smile you love.