The formation of a bite begins in early childhood. A proper bite is defined by the alignment of the jaws, where the upper row of teeth overlaps the lower row. An improper bite can negatively impact not only the appearance but also lead to issues with breathing, facial expressions, speech, and can complicate the process of chewing food.
That’s why it’s crucial for parents to pay attention to any issues that arise in their child from an early age and take timely measures to address them.
But why might a bite form incorrectly?
The main causes of an improper bite can be grouped into four categories:
Congenital anomalies:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Birth trauma;
- Absence of tooth buds;
- Shortened tongue frenulum.
Acquired anomalies:
- Premature loss of baby teeth;
- Jaw injuries;
- Tooth decay.
Harmful habits:
- Prolonged use of a pacifier;
- Thumb sucking;
- Lip and tongue biting;
- Habit of chewing on pencils.
Functional disorders:
- Mouth breathing;
- Tongue dysfunction;
- Chewing function impairment;
- Poor posture.
Congenital anomalies include genetic predisposition, which is a major factor influencing the development of bite anomalies. One of the most common genetically determined conditions is a mesial bite, where the upper jaw is underdeveloped, and the lower jaw is overly developed. If there are cases of such anomalies in the family, it is recommended to show the child to a specialist as early as possible for diagnosis and potential treatment.
In newborns, the lower jaw is often observed to be shifted backward, which is a natural protection against trauma during childbirth. However, birth trauma can lead to a mesial bite. Additionally, the absence of tooth buds or their incorrect positioning can cause bite problems.
Acquired anomalies can arise from various factors, including tooth decay in baby teeth, which can lead to their premature loss. This, in turn, causes the neighboring teeth to shift, deforming the dental arch and leading to gastrointestinal issues. Preventing tooth decay and maintaining regular oral hygiene can help avoid these problems.
Harmful habits can also significantly impact the formation of an improper bite. Prolonged use of a pacifier, thumb sucking, or chewing on pencils can lead to dental arch deformation. Parents are advised to wean the child off the pacifier around the age of one and monitor to ensure the child does not develop other harmful habits.
Lip biting or tongue biting can also cause improper jaw alignment, leading to the development of a distal bite.
Functional disorders can occur, for example, due to the habit of mouth breathing, often caused by enlarged adenoids. This leads to underdevelopment of the facial bones and crowded tooth growth. Consultation with an otolaryngologist can help solve this problem and teach the child to breathe through their nose.
Tongue dysfunction, where the tongue is placed between the rows of teeth, is often associated with a shortened tongue frenulum, leading to speech disorders and the formation of an open bite. Timely consultation with a speech therapist can help correct this issue.
Visiting a pediatric dentist is one of the most important steps in preventing many problems. Regular dental visits can help identify and address issues at an early stage.
