Every mom wants their little one to develop an aligned set of teeth that enhances the facial aesthetics. But, many tiny tots develop a toothy smile similar to that of our favorite cartoon character bugs bunny. This condition where the front teeth are protruded is called buck teeth or malocclusion. Typically, in a normal set of teeth, the upper set is positioned slightly ahead of the lower set. But, when the upper teeth are too far in front of the lower set of teeth or the overlap is of more than 2mm, then the condition is called buck teeth. Buck teeth may seem normal, but it can lead to aesthetical and dental issues. If your toddler has developed this condition, consult a children’s dentist to correct it.
Thankfully, you can avoid this condition in your toddler. How? Knowing what causes buck teeth in toddlers can help you prevent your child from developing this condition. Here are some causes of buck teeth:
Imbalanced growth in your kid’s upper or lower jaw can cause buck teeth. If their lower jaw is smaller in size or the upper jaw is large, then the upper teeth will protrude. Such bite problems can be caused due to various reasons. Sucking habits, genetic influences, or trauma can cause jaw size problems and result in buck teeth. Bite problems are treatable. A children’s dentist can help you with it.
Thumb or finger sucking is a common behavior among toddlers. It is a natural habit that comforts small kids. Typically, thumb sucking does not lead to any issues. But, excessive sucking can cause buck teeth. The pressure of the thumb can cause the upper teeth bones to elongate. This causes excessive space between the upper and lower teeth, making the upper teeth protrude. It may even cause bite problems and other dental issues. To prevent this protrusion or buck teeth, make sure your toddler does not engage excessively in this habit. Typically, such a habit is okay until two years of age. But, it should be stopped beyond that.
Pacifiers are commonly related to tiny tots. Pacifiers cause less damage as compared to thumb sucking, but they can lead to teeth alignment problems and buck teeth. Like thumb sucking, the pacifier puts pressure on the upper teeth bones causing them to protrude. Excessive use of pacifiers should not be encouraged to prevent buck teeth. Although it varies from an individual to individual, it is better to stop the use of a pacifier after the age of two.
In their first two years, a child is growing and there are various developments occurring. So, any issues caused by habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use should clear up within 6 months of stopping. But, if the issue seems to last, it is best to consult a children’s dentist.
If your child is facing any oral health problem, then consult our children’s dentists at Floss and Gloss.