Malocclusion, which is the mismatch of teeth and jaws, is characterized by crooked teeth, protruded teeth and crowded teeth, among others. Apart from such cosmetic issues, malocclusion can also cause dental and health problems such as headaches and periodontal diseases. Here are some of the most common causes of malocclusion:

Small Mouth

Some people are born with underdeveloped or small mouths, which mean their jaws are also smaller than normal. A small mouth can lead to malocclusion if the number of teeth it supports is the same as a regular mouth, the teeth become overcrowded. The overcrowded teeth will move out of alignment as they jostle each other for space, and the result is malocclusion.

Premature Loss of Primary Teeth

One of the most important roles of the primary teeth is to hold the place for permanent teeth and guide them as they erupt. This guidance will fail if the primary teeth are lost before the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. For example, when a primary tooth is lost, the adjacent one can tilt into its position, making it difficult for the erupting permanent tooth to come up straight.

Extra Teeth

Ordinarily, an adult should have 32 permanent teeth; anything more than that is extra. It is not common for one to be born with extra teeth, but it is possible. The condition is known as hyperdontia, and it can also lead to malocclusion. The malocclusion occurs because the usual of teeth will be jostling for the same jaw space that is meant to handle no more than 32 teeth.

Not Enough Teeth

It is not just extra teeth that can cause malocclusion; not having enough teeth can also lead to the same problem. Having all your teeth in position is helpful because they all remain straight in their designated positions. When the teeth are too few for your jawbone, they can take all manner of positions and directions, increasing the risk of malocclusion.

Misaligned Jaw

Lastly, you may also develop malocclusion due to your deformed jawbone. Jawbone deformity can be a congenital defect or it may occur when your jawbone is fractured in an accident and it doesn't heal properly. In this case, the teeth are just growing in the right direction, but because they are being supported by a deformed structure, they end up being misaligned.

Malocclusion can be treated, and the treatment depends (in part) to the cause of the problems. Consult a dentist, such as from BAHMAN GUIV DENTAL, to help you figure out what you need to correct the dental mismatch.