Teeth usually develop so that the upper teeth fit slightly over the lower front teeth, with the molars fitting into each other. When the lower teeth extend outward more than the upper front teeth, you have an underbite, also called prognathism. Underbite Cary is Class III malocclusion that causes a bulldog-like appearance in the face and mouth, which varies following the severity. While appearance is often the main reason many consider underbite treatment, it is more than a cosmetic concern. An underbite can lead to significant complications like TMJ disorders, bite and chew difficulties, speech challenges, and tooth cavities or decay if untreated. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid such significant complications, but what causes the dental problem, and is it preventable? Below is a common underbite risk factor.
Family history
Genetics are non-modifiable and common underbite risk factors. Regardless of its severity, if at least one of your family members has an underbite, you are at an increased risk of developing the dental problem. Genetics plays a significant role in determining your teeth and jaw size and shape. This means if your family has a history of dental structures like abnormally shaped teeth or jaws, teeth that don’t fit together well or are close together, you are likely to have similar traits. You could also be born with structural concerns such as cleft lip or palate abnormality. Such factors increase malocclusion risks.
Childhood habits
Childhood habits are modifiable. The common habits that increase underbite risks are thumb sucking, pacifier uses for kids at or over three years, pushing teeth with tongue, and long-term bottle feeding past the infant stage. Parents can help their children modify such habits, including not succumbing to the temptation of letting them suck on the pacifier after three years just to be quiet.
Facial trauma
Severe facial trauma can cause significant jawbone injuries. Even after jawbone repair, such as surgical treatments, they may not fit as well as before. This can put you at risk of developing underbite. Some injuries are preventable, such as wearing protective gear when engaging in contact sports. Prompt dental treatments whenever you are hurt can also help, ensuring you are not exposed to pain and discomfort that affects your normal bite and chew, contributing to jawbone degradation and misalignment.
Tumors or cysts
Dental tumors, called nonodontogenic or odontogenic following their origin, are often noncancerous. Nonetheless, their size and severity differ. Some can aggressively destroy the surrounding tissue, bone, and teeth. Others grow bigger could push the jaw to the extent that it protrudes, resulting in an underbite. Surgical removal is usually the most effective way to deal with tumors. You could be putting off the surgery when the tumor or cysts aren’t causing trouble. This could give the tumors enough room to cause jawbone protrusion and consequential underbite.
Underbite is best treated early when the bones are still malleable and developing. This is more so since underbite could derail speech development due to the difficulty experienced and expose the child to other complications that can affect their overall health. Contact MyOrthodontist today for more on underbite prevention and treatment.
