3 Common Causes of Crooked Teeth

The American Association of Orthodontics reports that 1/3rd of American adults are unhappy with their smiles and teeth. Crooked smiles are also among the top turn-offs for both men and women. There is no shortage of ways to correct crooked teeth and have a smile you can be proud of, but you may also wonder about the causes of crooked teeth in the first place.

3 Causes of Crooked Teeth

There are multiple causes of crooked or uneven teeth. However, there are three factors that are the leading causes of crooked teeth:

• Genetics – Crooked teeth are often the result of genetics, but other things put you at risk for crooked teeth, including poor dental hygiene or missing adult teeth. For example, if you lose an adult tooth, the other teeth in your mouth may begin to shift, creating uneven teeth or spaces in your smile.
• Thumb-Sucking – Another bad habit that can contribute to crooked teeth is prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking in childhood. These habits can cause the shape of the mouth and jaw to change, causing crooked teeth or bite misalignment. 
• Airway Issues – Problems with your airway, including allergies, polyps, or a deviated septum, can all contribute to dental growth patterns. After some time, these problems can lead to crooked teeth. 

If your child is feeling self-conscious about their crooked teeth or if you have questions about Summerfield pediatric dentistry, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry.