Malocclusion and Orthodontics - What Increases Your Risk

Provided by: Healthwise
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What Increases Your Risk

Factors that increase the risk of developing malocclusion include:

  • A family history of malocclusion. Jaw and tooth size are inherited traits that can cause too much or too little room for the teeth.
  • Oral habits, such as thumb-sucking and possibly mouth breathing.
  • Tooth loss, due to trauma or tooth decay. After a tooth is knocked out or removed (extracted), the bordering teeth drift out of place. Major causes of childhood tooth loss include:
    • Playing sports without a mouth guard.
    • Using poor dental hygiene.
    • Stumbling or falling accidents.
    • Sucking on a baby bottle during sleep. The sugars in juice, milk, and formula can cause tooth decay.
Last Updated: 02/05/2007

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