Dental Articles - Edmonton

Remember bugs bunny’s toothy smile? Ever wondered if the character’s protruding teeth are made up or are an actual dental issue? Well, the condition is called buck teeth or malocclusion in medical terms. It is a condition where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth vertically and horizontally. An overlap of more than 2mm is diagnosed as malocclusion or buck teeth. In some severe cases, a person with buck teeth is unable to close his/her lips over the protruding teeth. Many people suffer from the issue of buck teeth. Although it is normal, it can lead to problems like aesthetic concerns, sleep disorders, speech impediments, and chewing deficiency.

Treating this problem starts with knowing what causes buck teeth. Let’s find out the several reasons behind the protruding front teeth:

What Causes Buck Teeth

Problems with the Jaw Size

Many people face discrepancies in the size of their upper and lower jaw because of which they don’t fit together well. In most cases, the lower jaw is too small, and it causes bite problems. Genetic influences, injuries, or degenerative arthritis can cause jaw size problems. Because of this skeletal discrepancy, the lower teeth are far behind the upper teeth. This unfitting position of the molars causes buck teeth.

Issues with the Tooth Size and Position

This is a common issue faced by many people, irrespective of whether they have buck teeth or not. The combination of a large tooth size and a small jaw leads to crowding and overlapping. Typically, permanent teeth erupt wherever they find a place. If the space left by a lost milk tooth is too small for a permanent tooth, then it will go where it has room to erupt. While some teeth rotate, others position them behind front teeth making it look protruded.

Thumb Sucking and the use of a Pacifier

Tooth angulation is a condition where the upper teeth point outward towards the lip, instead of downward towards the lower teeth. This makes the front teeth protrude, resulting in buck teeth. Habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use can cause this issue. The pressure created by sucking a finger or pacifier causes the permanent teeth to erupt at an abnormal angle causing dental issues like buck teeth, overbite, or open bite.

Tongue Thrusting, Jaw Clenching, and Tooth Grinding

Tongue thrusting is a common issue with children as well as adults. It is the habit of pushing the tongue forward while swallowing, reading, sleeping, and other routine activities. Most often, it occurs unintentionally. This action creates pressure on the teeth to move forward. As a result, the teeth move out of alignment causing protruded or buck teeth. Jaw clenching and tooth grinding do something similar. It puts immense pressure on the teeth that can fracture them and cause an overbite making the teeth protrude.

If you face issues because of buck teeth, then connect with us, and we can help you treat the condition effectively.

---

Dentist Edmonton