Dr. Arya uses a puppet to explain the possible problems and causes of Malocclusion in children.
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Published: October 11, 2008 12:00 PMMalocclusion is a problem in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together in biting or chewing.
The word malocclusion literally means “bad bite.” The condition may also be referred to as an irregular bite, crossbite, or overbite.
Malocclusion may be seen as crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth. It may affect a person’s appearance, speech, and/or ability to eat.
Malocclusion is most often hereditary, which means the condition is passed down through families. There may be a difference between the size of the upper and lower jaws or between jaw and tooth size, resulting in spacing, overcrowding of teeth or the teeth may have abnormal bite patterns.
Malocclusion can be acquired as variations in size or structure of either jaw may affect its shape, as can birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. Other causes of malocclusion include:
n Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond age three, and prolonged use of a bottle;
n Extra teeth, lost teeth, untreated cavities in baby teeth, premature loss of baby teeth, impacted teeth, or abnormally shaped teeth;
n Ill-fitting dental fillings, crowns, appliances or retainers;
n Misalignment of jaw fractures after a severe injury;
n Tumors of the mouth and jaw.
Information provided by Dr. R.K.Arya Inc.
