Are crooked teeth hereditary?
Crooked teeth are common, and they can be due to genetics. But there are several other risk factors such as habits, lifestyle, and diet.
You may have a crooked smile if your parents have a crooked smile. But not everything about your smile is hereditary. Let’s look into factors that can affect your teeth and chances of needing orthodontic treatments.
What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth can stem from different factors, including the following:
- Thumb sucking. Habits such as thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use can cause misaligned teeth. The teeth are pushed out, and if this vigorous habit persists, it can affect a child's bite later on.
- Tongue thrusting. Pushing the tongue against the upper front teeth can also impact how the teeth align. A child with tongue-thrusting habits may not have crooked teeth as they grow. Still, it’s important to see a dentist or orthodontist to monitor their teeth and jaw development.
- Mouth breathing. According to a study, mouth breathing can interfere with craniofacial (face and skull) growth patterns. Researchers found mouth breathing and ‘bad habits’ prevalent among children with severe malocclusions or teeth misalignment.
- Premature tooth loss. Early loss of baby teeth can cause surrounding teeth to move from their position, leaving permanent teeth no room once they erupt. This can cause them to occupy the wrong spot.
- Trauma. Injuries from sports and accidents can also lead to teeth misalignment. But these issues can often be corrected with restorative and orthodontic procedures.
- Malnutrition. Poor nutrition or inadequate vitamins and minerals can impact the development of the bones and tissues in the body. It can cause various health issues, including crooked teeth.
- Genetics. A study explored the connection between genetics and dental malformation. Tooth agenesis or missing teeth is listed as the most common genetic dental anomaly. Other genetic factors, such as the parents’ jaw size and shape, can also influence a person's smile.
So, did I inherit my crooked teeth? How much of my smile is from my parents?
According to research, you can inherit dental traits such as the shape of your teeth, their groove patterns, and even the number of wisdom teeth.
Your parents having a small jaw, crowded teeth, or large teeth increases the odds of having similar dental features. But the reason for asymmetrical teeth is unique for every person.
On the other hand, having uneven teeth may be due to other reasons, such as habits and lifestyle, if your parents have straight teeth.
Your dental care routine growing up may also contribute to the state of your oral health today. Your tendency of developing dental problems may increase if your household doesn't practice regular brushing and flossing.
That being said, a poor bite cannot be blamed entirely on genetics or your parents’ smile.
Correcting misaligned teeth and improving oral health
Regular dental visits starting at a young age are crucial because dentists are sometimes the first ones to notice dental irregularities. Parents may also spot something unusual in their child’s mouth, prompting them to take their child to the dental office.
If a child’s dentist sees a potential misalignment issue in the teeth and jaws, they may refer the case to an orthodontist. Having crooked teeth can be prevented if symptoms are discovered early. Training children to stop habits such as thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting also helps.
An orthodontist can monitor the development of a child’s mouth. One of the main goals is to prevent early tooth loss. This way, the baby teeth can save space and guide the adult teeth where to go.
For older patients with crooked teeth, it’s not too late to see an orthodontist. Some don’t mind having misaligned teeth and even see them as a lucky charm or unique feature. But no matter how you view the appearance of your smile, it helps to have a dental care professional examine it.
If you have questions about caring for crooked teeth or boosting your oral hygiene routine, Orthodontic Smile Studio is happy to help. We strive to provide excellent care by putting patient’s needs at the core of our practice. Call us today to speak with one of our team members.
Whether you’re happy or concerned about inheriting your mother or father’s smile, you can do a lot to improve your oral health. The power to change your smile for the better is in your hands.